Venus Williams loses opening match in Rio
RIO DE JANEIRO, Brazil (AP) — Venus Williams faded as her opening match at her record fifth Olympics dragged past three hours and she lost 4-6, 6-3, 7-6 (5) to Kristen Flipkens of Belgium.
The 36-year-old American — owner of four gold medals and seven Grand Slam titles — laboured at times and even showed frustration by shouting “Ridiculous!” after dropping one point last night.
With US Secretary of State John Kerry watching, the fifth-seeded Williams was broken while serving for the victory at 5-3. She was two points from the win four times but could not close out Flipkens, who is ranked 62nd and only once reached the semi-finals of a major tournament.
When the match ended, Flipkens reacted as if she’d won gold, even getting down on the ground to kiss the white five-ring Olympic logo on the green court.
Williams is the first tennis player to participate in singles at five Summer Games.
