MELBOURNE, Australia — For Venus Williams, a win in reach instead became another frustratingly early loss at a major tournament.
Though she reached the final at her first tournament of the year in Auckland, Williams said her ups and downs in this match could be attributed to a lack of match play over the past year.
“I do play points really well, and then sometimes I don’t put them together as well,” she said. “I feel like I have to be patient with myself because I really haven’t had a chance to play that consistently.”
Wistful but defiant when questions hinted that her health might soon force her to retire, the 33-year-old Williams kept the door open for another run in Australia.
“I love Australia,” she said. “I’d love to come back.”
