Despite winning seven Grand Slam titles in her career, Venus Williams failed to secure a win against Karolina Muchova in the first round of the 2025 US Open. The Czech star managed to keep up with Williams and scored 6-3, 2-6, 6-1 for the win. This victory ensured the 11th seed’s move to the second round of the US Open. But how would she have felt while facing and defeating someone like Williams? 

After winning the first set, Muchova happened to stumble a bit. Of course, we can blame it all on the crowd. Being a fan-favorite, Venus Williams received a bit more love from the audience. And that seemingly made Muchova lose focus in the second set. But the final set was proof that the #11 WTA contender was all in to secure a win. So, how exactly did the Czech star overcome the noise from the fans?

That’s what the reporter asked during the post-match interview. And Muchova’s answer? She was a bit perplexed as the crowd cheered for the older Williams sister. The Czech tennis player stated, “I was stressed. You guys made me stressed. No, it was unbelievable atmosphere. I mean, she’s such a legend of our sport. I understand. It’s so nice to play, to share a court with her, and I’m just glad that I was lucky doing it today.” 

When the reporter asked her about her ability to redeem herself in the third round, Muchova claimed, “I just tried to block the noise, just be focused on myself. I thought I was doing a lot of mistakes, played a lot to her. She’s such a bomb. So, I was a little bit lost in the second set, and I got collected in the third. And I was able to get a start. And on my serves, I was focused on my serves, and yeah. Just glad I pulled it out.” 

But let’s focus on Venus Williams for now. Being the only person to compete at the age of 45 since 1981, this isn’t something that should be sidelined. Unfortunately, despite all the fans’ support, she hasn’t been able to secure a win lately. Even her previous US Open appearance in 2023 ended with a defeat in the openers. Of course, losing to someone like Aryna Sabalenka does have some meaning . But Williams’ constant struggles have also ignited talks of her imminent retirement in the tennis community.

So, when is Venus Williams planning to retire? Let’s find out what she has to say about her retirement. 

Venus Williams gets honest regarding her stance on retiring from the sport

Well, the 45-year-old doesn’t really plan on retiring. In a YouTube video on the official channel for the US Open, Venus Williams confessed, “I think I’ll always play tennis. It’s in my DNA. So, it doesn’t matter if it’s now or 30 years from now, God willing, I’ll be here.” The spark of competition was still burning bright in her eyes. However, her initial fire couldn’t help her secure the win at the US Open. 

Williams knows that she’s in her mid-40s and that the risk of injury and slowing of the body is only going to worsen. But even that didn’t stop her. She continued, “Maybe I’ll come back to watch. Maybe I’ll be saying, ‘I did it better.’ And it won’t be true,” she said with a chuckle, “But in any case, tennis will always be one of the most important parts of my life.”

Nevertheless, the four-time Olympic medalist had nothing but excitement regarding her return to the US Open. And as fans, we certainly do not wish to stop seeing Venus Williams on the court.

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