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5-Time Champ Williams Exits Wimbledon Early
Image by Revanta via Flickr
It’s looking like the combination of age, injuries, and Sjogren’s syndrome is taking its toll on five-time Wimbleton champion Venus Williams. She looked very UN-champion-like in Monday’s 6-1, 6-3 loss to Russia’s Elena Vesnina.
“I feel like I’m a great player,” Williams said after losing in Wimbledon’s first round for the first time since her debut appearance in 1997. “I am a great player. Unfortunately I have to deal with circumstances that people don’t have to deal with normally in a sport, but I can’t be discouraged by that. I’m up for challenges.”
Unfortunately Williams, 32, hasn’t been herself for a while. She revealed in August that she suffers from an autoimmune condition that can cause fatigue and joint pain.
Williams didn’t use her condition as an excuse, though, and she refused to discuss her health. “I did my best today,” she said. “My opponent played well.”
Williams will not exit the Wimbledon stage, however, and will still play doubles with her sister Serena, marking their first tournament together since losing in the 2010 Wimbledon quarterfinals. They’ll be shooting for their fifth Wimbledon doubles title.
Nor is the former champ ready to quit:
“I absolutely love this sport, and I feel like I can play well, I’m not going to give up on it.”
…Read article at Venus Williams at Wimbledon: A Nonfactor
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