Google News Venus Williams moves further away from sister Serena and Martina Navratilova
by JOVICA ILIC | VIEW 59869
At the age of 40, Venus Williams is a fearsome competitor like ever before, not thinking about retirement and seeking another top-100 season. Venus made her professional debut in San Jose in October 1994 at 14, scoring the first WTA victory before losing to Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario in three sets.
Since 1997, Venus has always been ranked inside the year-end top-100 except 2011 when she barely missed that feat, staying competitive well after her prime and not feeling ready to leave the sport she loves. Williams is the second-oldest player on the WTA ranking list behind the Hungarian Greta Arn, still capable of beating much younger opponents.
Venus proved that on Sunday in Melbourne, toppling Arantxa Rus 6-1, 6-3 in 65 minutes at the Yarra Valley Classic! Thus, Venus has extended her incredible streak to 28 consecutive seasons with at least one WTA victory, leaving Martin Navratilova and her sister Serena on 25!
Venus Williams has won at least one WTA match for 28 consecutive seasons.
Venus dropped only six points behind the first serve against Rus and saved all seven break points to mount the pressure on the other side of the net.
The Dutch was far from those numbers, dropping almost half of the initial shot points and suffering four breaks to propel the rival over the top. Venus saved all seven break chances in the opening set and earned breaks in games two and four for a comfortable lead, hoping for more in set number two.
Rus barely won a point on the return in the second part of the clash, unable to move the rival away from the comfort zone. Like in the opener, Venus performed two breaks and moved over the top in style to celebrate her 813th WTA victory.
The American will face Petra Kvitova in a blockbuster match on Tuesday. "I'm still here; I'm still good at this, I love my job. It's awesome to be back; I love Australia, and it's a beautiful moment. It's not easy, but, of course, I have a lot of experience, and I think that helps.
I'm just trying to get my feet wet, try to compete here, and feel good about what I'm doing," Venus Williams said.