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Venus Williams’ return to top-tier tennis suffered another setback as she was eliminated in the opening round of the Cincinnati Open, losing in straight sets to Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro. Despite a spirited fightback from 1-4 down in the opening set, the 45-year-old seven-time Grand Slam winner ultimately fell 6-4, 6-4.
This was only Williams’ second WTA appearance in over a year, following her comeback in Washington where she secured a first-round win before being ousted by Magdalena Frech.
Reflecting on her performance, Williams said: “I really enjoyed being out there. I had my chances. Credit to her—she played exceptionally well. I just need more matches under my belt. I wasn’t at my best, but I gave it everything. I know what to do, I just need more time to execute it better.”
Bouzas Maneiro, ranked 51st in the world, was elated with the win and the chance to face a legend of the sport. “It was a dream come true. She hits so hard, I had to stay focused and be positive,” the 22-year-old Spaniard said after her 87-minute victory.
Cincinnati is familiar ground for Williams, who was making her 11th appearance there. Her best showing was a semi-final run in 2012. She recently returned to competition following a health scare and surgery for uterine fibroids.
Elsewhere in the tournament, Joao Fonseca of Brazil defeated China’s Bu Yunchaokete in three sets, while Zizou Bergs, Benjamin Bonzi, and Arthur Rinderknech also advanced with straight-set wins.
