AFP, Washington :
Venus Williams’ return to tennis came to an abrupt end in the last 16 of the ATP/WTA DC Open on Thursday, with the veteran American losing to Poland’s Magdalena Frech in straight sets.
The 45-year-old seven-time Grand Slam singles champion, playing this week for the first time in 16 months, had become the oldest woman to win a WTA match in more than two decades with Tuesday’s first round win over Peyton Stearns.
But Williams found the going harder against fifth seed Frech in Thursday’s third round clash, losing 6-2, 6-2 in 1hr 13minutes.
Williams said she was nonetheless satisfied with her return to competitive tennis.
“I had so much fun,” Williams said. “Not the result I wanted (but) I got to play a lot of matches, definitely a plus. I couldn’t be happier…
“I ran out of gas today unfortunately…Sorry to have fell short. But I know I can play better and I know I will play better,” added Williams, who is due to play in next month’s Cincinnati Open after being handed a wild card into the event.
Frech seized the early initiative with a dominant first set performance, breaking Williams in the fifth game to take a 3-2 lead.
The Pole duly held for a 4-2 lead and then broke again when Williams’ serve unraveled in the seventh game.
