Sporting icon Venus Williams was knocked out of the US Open by 11th-seeded Karolina Muchova, eventually going down 6-3 2-6 6-1 to the Czech after a spirited display.
It was an emotional night in New York, where large swatches of fans had gathered to watch the all-time American great in what could very possibly be her final appearance at her home Grand Slam.
At 45 years of age, and having played only three matches in the past 18 months – all of which came in the weeks preceding the US Open – few expected Williams to be much of a match for the supremely talented Muchova, 16 years the American’s junior.
Those fears were compounded when Williams conceded the first set after a subdued start. However, what could quickly have become a procession was instead transformed into a classic US Open night session under the lights.
Williams raised her level considerably in the second, rolling back the years with her trademark height and power to disrupt Muchova’s rhythm.
Despite ultimately falling short in the third and final set, Williams showed that her star quality endures while also giving the adoring New York crowd a night to remember.
The 7-time Grand Slam champion then became visibly emotional in her post-match press conference while discussing the physical issues she has grappled with in recent years.
“Getting back on the court was about giving myself a chance to play more healthy,” she explained.
“When you play unhealthy, it’s in your mind. It’s not just how you feel. You get stuck in your mind too. So it was nice to be freer.”
The former world No 1 was unable to finish her answer as the emotion of the occasion fully dawned on her.
Whether we will see this phenomenal athlete competing again at the US Open remains to be seen. But two things are certain. Firstly, never count out Venus Williams. Secondly, if this was to be the last dance, then this match was more than a fitting finale for such a legendary career.
