Coach says Venus “may soon be done”

The shelf life of Venus Williams as a wild card candidate may be short-lived, if coach Rennae Stubbs is correct.

The Australian who has world with the 46-year-old as Williams burns through a series of wild cards dished out by eager tournament organisers.

So, Williams has proved to be a major disappointment, losing her last 14 free entries.

Despite the lack of success, Williams remains – according to Stubbs – in demand.

“She is putting the effort in; she is working hard. I think we should appreciate her while we have her,” The Australian told a podcast. “I don’t think it’s going to be much longer.”

Stubbs added: “If you think she is just rocking up and playing and not putting the work in, you are sorely wrong. She was out there for almost three hours today.”

Williams will be teaming – on another wild card – with sister Serena in doubles at the US Open, which technically starts on Sunday but has become a three-week event with play in various forms this week.

Stubbs insisted that the almost-retired veteran remains a drawcard.

“First of all, they almost won; they should have won in the end, there were lines out the door for them, and there was half a stadium watching [Alexander] Zverev.

“That’s all you need to know. It’s called supply and demand.”

US Open 2023 Venus Williams (USA) embarrassingly loses another first round match on a Wildcard 6-1 6-1 in just one hour 13 minutes to qualifier Greet Minnen (BEL)
Photo Roger Parker International Sports Fotos Ltd