By Erik Gudris | @atntennis | Tuesday, June 13, 2023

Venus Williams, enjoying in her first match since January, discovered herself on the dropping aspect to a Swiss teenager making her WTA principal draw debut.

Seventeen-year-old Celine Naef of Switzerland walked away with a 3-6, 7-6 (3), 6-2 win within the opening spherical of the Libema Open in Den Bosch, Netherlands.

The victory, although well-earned, was maybe extra stunning provided that it was Naef’s first-ever match in a WTA principal draw.

Williams, 42, entered the event having performed her final aggressive singles match since injuring her hamstring in January.

One to recollect 💜

Celine Naef secures her first-ever win on the Hologic WTA Tour together with her win over Williams, 3-6, 7-6(3), 6-2!#LibemaOpen pic.twitter.com/yKLF3wWMey

— wta (@WTA) June 13, 2023

 “Amazing. I can't consider I had the prospect to play in opposition to Venus," Naef said on court after her victory. "She's an incredible participant and actually a job mannequin for everybody."

Serena Williams noticed the match from the stands as her older sister battled on the primary courtroom.

Venus' #1 fan 🤩@serenawilliams | #LibemaOpen pic.twitter.com/RN8mednO7n

— wta (@WTA) June 13, 2023

 For some time, Williams, now ranked World No. 696, appeared to have the benefit over her youthful opponent. After combating off two break factors within the seventh recreation of the primary set, Williams took a 4-3 lead. She then broke Naef at like to go up 5-3 after which served a love recreation herself to shut out the set 6-3.

Williams earned one other break within the second set, and shortly jumped out to a 4-2 lead. Yet Naef, not overawed by her opponent or the event, quickly turned the match to her favor.

Naef broke again later within the set and finally pressured a tiebreak. The Swiss teen took an early lead within the breaker and by no means seemed again. Williams, going through a set level in opposition to her, despatched a backhand into the online that put the match right into a decider.

Both girls traded service breaks early within the last set. Yet it was Naef who took benefit of accelerating errors from Williams down the stretch. Naef finally ran away with the ultimate set to safe the largest win of her younger profession 3-6, 7-6 (3), 6-2.

Grass season has simply begun 🌱@Venuseswilliams | #LibemaOpen pic.twitter.com/RHcxxT5Zyz

— wta (@WTA) June 13, 2023

Williams, a five-time Wimbledon champion, is anticipated to compete in further grass courtroom heat up occasions main as much as the Championships which begin on July 3. 

Photo Credit: Mike Newell/Camerasport

Content Source: www.tennisnow.com