MASON: In a gripping start to the Cincinnati Open on Monday, tennis veterans Venus Williams and Sloane Stephens showcased their enduring prowess on the court. Williams, defying the odds, pulled off a stunning upset against the 16th-ranked Veronika Kudermetova with a final score of 6-4, 7-5. Meanwhile, Stephens overcame a sluggish beginning to secure victory over Italy’s Elisabetta Cocciaretto, with a final score of 7-5, 6-2.
Williams, known for her veteran composure, displayed remarkable determination as she battled back from deficits in both sets, converting six of nine break points. At 43 years old, Williams faced initial challenges against Kudermetova, who managed to break her serve in the first and fifth games. However, a remarkable turnaround saw Williams clinching the first set by winning five consecutive games.
Kudermetova aimed to shift the momentum in the second set by winning four straight games and coming close to closing out the set in the eighth game. Yet, it was a double fault and a pair of unforced errors that enabled Williams to break back. Kudermetova missed another opportunity to claim the set as Williams fended off a break point with an unreturnable serve.
As the match progressed, Williams capitalized on her momentum, converting a break point in the 10th game. A series of double faults from Kudermetova in the final game handed Williams the victory. This marked a significant triumph for Williams, as she had not defeated a top-20 opponent in the past four years.
Stephens, in a separate but equally enthralling encounter, overcame challenges posed by both her opponent and the weather. Battling against rain delays that disrupted her warm-up routine, Stephens managed to prevail over Cocciaretto in 76 minutes. Stephens secured victory by breaking Cocciaretto’s serve five times and saving three of five break points. Her relentless determination enabled her to overcome a slow start and finish the match strongly.
Stephens is now set to face French defending champion Caroline Garcia in the second round. This promises to be a challenging match, as Garcia holds a 4-2 record against Stephens, including previous victories at the Cincinnati Open.
Unfortunately, Ukrainian player Elina Svitolina was compelled to withdraw from the tournament due to the ongoing foot pain she had been experiencing since her impressive run to the semi-finals at Wimbledon the previous month. Expressing disappointment, Svitolina acknowledged the need to heed medical advice and focus on recovering for the upcoming US Open.
Caroline Wozniacki, who recently returned to competitive tennis after a three-year hiatus to start a family, is now scheduled to play lucky loser Varvara Gracheva in the night session, weather permitting. The Cincinnati Open promises more thrilling matches and intense competition as players strive to make their mark on the tournament.
