MADRID – Venus Williams is aiming for the French Open.
The 45-year-old former world No. 1 stated Tuesday she is contemplating taking part in at Roland Garros subsequent month after dropping 10 consecutive singles matches.
“Nicely, I am going to let you know, this was an amazing begin,” she stated on the Madrid Open post-match press convention. “Sadly, I will not be capable of play in Rome. I am actually, actually unhappy about that as a result of I’ve different commitments. Really, my husband is Italian, so I am disillusioned that he will not be capable of play in Rome. So I wish to proceed on clay.”
Williams, a seven-time Grand Slam champion, misplaced to 20-year-old Spaniard Caitlin Quevedo 6-2, 6-4.
Williams had not performed for Madrid for 5 years. Her final event on clay was the 2021 French Open, the place she misplaced in her first match to Ekaterina Alexandrova.
“All of this requires adjustment,” Williams stated. “I began practising on clay a number of weeks after Miami. I have never performed on clay in years, however clay is enjoyable and enjoyable. In the present day I performed towards a really inspirational opponent.”
Williams’ final victory on tour got here towards Peyton Stearns within the spherical of 16 of the WTA 500 event in July 2025 in Washington. This yr he had already misplaced in Auckland, Hobart, the Australian Open, Austin, Indian Wells and Miami.
It was Quevedo’s first win in the principle draw of the WTA 1000 and his second profession win at tour stage. She grew to become the youngest Spanish participant to win a foremost draw match on the Madrid Open.
“I used to be very shocked,” Quevedo stated. “I by no means thought one thing like this may occur. I am actually pleased to have the ability to play on this superb court docket for the primary time with such a legend. It was an honor and I am actually pleased to be right here.”
