Venus Williams’ debut on the ATX Open in Austin, Texas ended on the first hurdle on Tuesday as Ajla Tomljanovic moved previous the seven-time main singles champion, 6-4, 6-1 in a single hour and 35 minutes to set a second spherical conflict with Iva Jovic.
Williams, who has not gained on tour since final July, dropped her seventh consecutive determination, however not earlier than a quick begin. She scored the primary break of the match and had factors for 4-2 earlier than the Aussie levelled up. Williams additionally was serving at 4-5, 40-15 earlier than Tomljanovic rallied to take the aggressive opening set in 51 minutes.
The second set was not shut on the scoreboard at the same time as 45-year-old Williams remained aggressive. She had break factors in two of Tomljanovic’s service video games, however nonetheless dropped the ultimate 5 video games of the competition.
“One way or the other Venus and Serena are likely to deliver the very best out in me mentally,” Tomljanovic mentioned in her on-court interview. “As a result of I all the time assume, ‘What would they do in that second?’ I attempt to make it work for me, as an alternative of towards me.”
Williams, paired with Peyton Stearns, will face top-seeded Taylor Townsend and Storm Hunter in doubles on Wednesday in Austin.
On the different aspect of the age spectrum, a rising American 27 years Williams’ junior continued to play distinctive tennis. 18-year-old Iva Jovic bought previous Anna Blinkova 6-3, 6-4 in a single hour and 24 minutes. The Torrance, California native is as much as 18 within the rankings, and 15-4 general on the season.
