Venus Williams Falls at First Hurdle in Indian Wells

Venus Williams made history as the oldest player to ever contest a match at the BNP Paribas Open on Thursday, but ultimately the seven-time major champion fell in defeat to France’s Diane Parry, 3-6, 7-6(4), 6-1.

Three-time semifinalist Venus Williams also holds the longest gap between first and most recent appearances at 30 years, but ultimately her losing streak was extended to eight as Parry scrapped out the victory.

Williams, who has lost four three-setters in those eight matches, has not won on tour since she beat Peyton Stearns last summer in Washington, D.C.

“Of course losing isn’t fun, but it’s great to play in front of a home crowd. They were behind me the whole way, and that was really fun for that,” Williams said.

Miserable Conditions

Williams said the windy conditions made it too difficult for her to play pinpoint tennis against the 111-ranked qualifier.

“I think today is not the kind of day that you want to assess,” Williams said. “The conditions are impossible. Also, my match in Austin the conditions were impossible. I have played the last two matches in very difficult conditions.

“In Austin I refused to relent and change my game and I lost very quickly. Today I tried to adjust. It’s not easy. You can’t trust anything that you do out there. So you should get out there and play in that wind and you’ll tell me too if you can create some magic or if you can be perfect or not.”