By Erik Gudris | @ATNTennis | Monday, August 1, 2022
Canada’s Rebecca Marino edged Venus Williams 4-6, 6-1, 6-4 in Washington D.C.
Photo credit: Getty
Washington D.C. fans at the Citi Open were hoping for a winning tournament debut from all time great Venus Williams.
Yet it’s veteran Rebecca Marino of Canada who is moving on to round two
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The 31-year-old Canadian served out the seven-time major champion Williams 4-6, 6-1, 6-4 in their opening round at the WTA 250 event on Monday night.
“Yeah, it's my first match, so I didn't think I played well a lot of the times. Just a little rusty. I really put myself in good positions in the third set, too,” Williams said after the match. "Just trying to shake off some rust. That's just to be expected.
"All I can do is just play another tournament and play better. I wish I could have pulled this match through for the crowd and for the tournament. But it doesn't always work out.”
This was the second career meeting between Marino and Willams. They last met at the 2010 US Open in a second round match that Williams won in straight sets.
Marino, who reached a career high of 38, was then a rising star. But after suffering burnout, Marino abruptly quit the game in 2013.
After a long break, Marino returned to the game and has been on a steady rise. She just returned to the top 100 rankings back in July after winning several ITF events during in her comeback.
For Williams, this was her first singles match in nearly a year since last competing in Chicago last year. The 42-year-old Williams made a surprise appearance in the Wimbledon Mixed Doubles just last month.
The first set proved an entertaining contest as both women played at a high level. Williams served at 74 percent first serves that she needed to keep up with Marino’s own big serve that is the cornerstone of her game.
Williams soon closed out the set 6-4
Yet Williams couldn’t maintain her momentum in the second set. Marino took advantage by holding her own first serve at an impressive 86 percent.
Marino forced a final set against the all-time great Williams. But it looked like Williams just might find a way to victory.
Williams, finding better range on her returns, soon earned an early service break. With a potent forehand, Williams then jumped to out to a 3-0 lead.
The next game found Williams showing off her vintage speed as she dug in during an extended rally that sent to the crowd to its feet. Soon, Williams held for 4-1 and looked in command.
However, Williams’ form slipped while Marino stayed the course. Marino cleaned up her game, cut down on her unforced errors, and saved a break point later at 3-4. Soon. Marino found herself level at 4-all in the final set.
Williams struggled with double faults down the stretch including striking four in her last two service games.
Marino, soon served for the match at 5-4. The Canadian struck two aces to close out the three set win.
For Williams, it was a welcome return to the singles court after a year long absence. Williams is scheduled to compete next in Toronto and Cincinnati before the US Open.