WHAT HAPPENED: Going up against a seven-time Grand Slam singles champion with the last name Williams—under the scrutinizing lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium, no less—can certainly be an intimidating situation to face. But 26-year-old Greet Minnen handled it with poise in her first-round match against Venus Williams at the 2023 US Open, dropping only two games in her 6-1, 6-1 victory over the American favorite.
In what was her milestone 100th career US Open match, Williams again was denied a second-round showing at her home Slam, this time at the hands of the young Belgian qualifier.
“It was incredible to play a legend like her,” Minnen said after the match. “I have huge respect for her, to be here playing at 43 years old is amazing. For me, playing my first time on Ashe, I enjoyed it from start to finish, and I hope to play many more matches here.”
It’s been a rocky couple of years for two-time US Open champion Williams. In addition to making first-round exits in her last two visits to Flushing Meadows (2020, 2022), she has tallied only three matches in the win column this season, falling in the first round of her beloved Wimbledon and at Montreal, and exiting the second round at Cincinnati leading up to the 2023 US Open.
All credit to Minnen, who executed a precision game plan and never took her foot off the gas against the American legend.
An opening break of serve against Williams quickly slipped away into a 0-4 deficit against the Belgian. Williams managed to get on the board with a game, but Minnen’s tidy performance pushed her ahead to claim the first set in 44 minutes.
Minnen continued to shut out Williams through the second set, leaving the American crowd stunned in silence as they watched their former champion quickly fall behind 5-0. Williams put together a solid game to hold serve and stay in the match, forcing Minnen to serve it out. The Belgian sealed the win on her second match point on a netted Williams forehand.
WHAT IT MEANS: Minnen, who is 17 years younger than the 43-year-old Williams and contesting her fourth US Open, had the advantage of securing three qualifying wins heading into her first-round contest with the seven-time major champion. Earlier this month, she reached the final at the Polish Open, a WTA 125 event.
For Williams, it’s back to the drawing board as she continues to try to revive the winning formula that previously propelled her to the top of the game. Currently ranked No. 410, Williams has not advanced past the second round of a tournament since 2019 Cincinnati, where she reached the quarterfinal round.
Up next for Minnen in the second round will be fellow qualifier Sachia Vickery. It will be the pair's first meeting.
MATCH POINT: Minnen struck 24 winners to Williams’ 10, converting on five of eight break-point chances.
