Venus Williams returned to the London grass court at Wimbledon 2022 after being ousted in the second round of the women’s singles previous year. The 42-year-old also competed in mixed doubles, teaming with Nick Kyrgios at this tournament in 2021, but was unsuccessful.
This year, Williams teamed up playing with Jamie Murray and both played their opener at the No.1 Court of Wimbledon, beating Michael Venus and Alicja Rosolska with a 6-3 6-7 (7-3) 6-3 second-round victory.
Return after hiatus
As a 14 grand slam doubles title-holder with her sister Serena, the return was the first match after hiatus. At Wimbledon, Williams already had five grand slam singles titles from her start in 1997.
Venus said it was her sister who inspired her to return to play and win the mixed double opener. According to reports, after being out from her last appearance at the grand slam, Williams was planning to retire. Then, the wildcard entries happen between her and Murray. She also stated that her pairing in mixed doubles with Murray was decided at the last minute just before the tournament started.
Back on the grass and back on the winners list 👏@Venuseswilliams and @jamie_murray progress in the mixed doubles defeating Venus/Rosolska, 6-3, 6-7(3), 6-3 #Wimbledon pic.twitter.com/ofFyn2LlOP
— Wimbledon (@Wimbledon) July 1, 2022
“(Entering) it was super last minute. Just inspired by Serena,” she said.
After the match, according to a news conference, Murray said that Williams asked him whether he wanted to play with Venus in this grand slam. Statistically, Murray had won five mixed doubles at the grand slam throughout his career, including two at Wimbledon in 2007 and 2017 with Jelena Jankovic and Martina Hingis respectively.
Murray said to Williams that the 42-year-old was playing well although she hadn’t played since a year ago. “First match, big court, a lot of people. It’s not easy. It was a great experience (to) play with Venus Williams. When am I going to get the chance to do that?” he said.
Then, Williams answered it and said there was no plan. “No plan to play. I saw the grass and I got excited … I haven’t played in a year so you don’t know what you’re going to get,” she said.
Murray-Williams siblings at Wimbledon
The team-up of Williams and Murray in mixed doubles was after their siblings, Serena and Andy, paired up three years ago, but both of them played singles this year.
On her comeback, Serena was kicked out in the first round after the loss against Harmony Tan. It was her first appearance at Wimbledon and defeated the 36-year-old with a 7-5 1-6 7-6 (10-7).
During the match, Venus cheered for Serena and showed excitement by watching her sister from the player’s box. After the match, Serena was asked by reporters about her future and she said that the U.S. Open would probably be her next tournament to join.
“Who knows where I’ll pop up,” she said.
On the other hand, Andy failed to beat John Isner in the second round with 6-4 7-6 (7-4) 6-7 (3-7) 6-4 in four-set play.
Onto the next round. Venus and Jamie will continue their family flag and play in the round of 16 against British-paired Alicia Barnett and Jonny O’Mara.