NEW YORK — Venus Williams’ a centesimal profession U.S. Open match produced her most lopsided loss on the Grand Slam event the place she received the trophy in 2000 and 2001.

Williams, at 43 the oldest participant within the subject, was eradicated 6-1, 6-1 by Belgian qualifier Greet Minnen at muggy Arthur Ashe Stadium within the first spherical on Tuesday night time.

The first 21 occasions Williams entered the U.S. Open, she went 21-0 within the first spherical. But this was her third consecutive opening-round loss at Flushing Meadows.

The 26-year-old Minnen was born in August 1997, the month earlier than Williams reached the U.S. Open remaining for the primary time.

“For me, it was incredible to play a legend like her. I have huge respect,” mentioned Minnen, who's ranked 97th and entered the night with a 4-12 profession document in Grand Slam matches. “To be there at 43 years old, it’s amazing really.”

Williams — whose youthful sister, Serena, retired from tennis after final 12 months’s U.S. Open — owns seven main championships, together with 5 at Wimbledon.

But she has misplaced within the first or second spherical in every of her previous 12 Slam appearances.

The spectators on Tuesday appeared thrilled simply to get an opportunity to see her play in individual, sending her towards the locker room with a standing ovation. Williams gave a fast wave and a smile as she walked off, her crimson racket bag slung over her left shoulder.

The temperature was within the low 70s Fahrenheit (20s Celsius), however the humidity was 90%, and Williams was not capable of keep within the factors with Minnen.

It was rapidly 3-0, with Williams - proprietor of what was once one of the vital intimidating serves within the recreation - damaged twice straight away. She misplaced every of her first half-dozen second-serve factors.

Minnen did what she may to maintain Williams off-balance and it labored.

“She has amazing strokes, amazing serve. … I tried to make her move as much as possible,” Minnen mentioned, including that used drop pictures successfully, “which I’m not used to.”

By the tip, holding a big lead towards one of many greats of the game, Minnen mentioned she felt some jitters attempting to shut out the victory.

“My heart was beating really, really fast,” she mentioned.

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