It seems like few of the prominent tennis players are having rough time on the court. While Venus Williams won her last single title in 2008 Wimbledon, Rafael Nadal is struggling to make an impact after 2014 French Open win. Now that both are out from US Open 2016 battle; the upcoming time is hard for both of them. Both players in their 30’s, two time US Open Champions were facing younger opponents who never played in Ashe before.
Venus when paired with her younger sister in doubles has done wonder but her singles titles are running in drought since eight years. Currently no. 6 in the world she lost close battle to Karolina Pliskova at the US Open match 4-6, 6-4, 7-6(3). The 36yrs old former World No.1 lost to 24yrs old from Czech Republic. Although the first and third set play by Venus reminded many viewers of her glorious era but it was the fearless tennis by Karolina that dominated the court.
Venus saved three match points again on Karolina serve to send the match to a deciding tiebreaker. In the third, it seemed Karolina could fall apart with Venus leading by 5 games to 4 but the Czech gathered her courage and won the third set. As Venus is ageing not sure how she will be able to play further more. Fifteen years later after her first US Open win Venus era is crumbling down.
It was hard for Nadal to lose a hard fought battle for 5 set. Although Nadal was leading the fifth set by 4 games to 2 but history was to be made by Lucas Pouille who defeated the King of Clay. The 22yr old Lucas recovered from a break down to take the fifth and deciding set to tie-break and to win 6-1, 2-6, 6-4, 3-6, 7-6 (8-6). It was very close battle between the young and experienced player. This defeat of Nadal means since 2004 this is the first time Nadal has failed to reach any Grand Slam quarter-final.
While Nadal promises to come back and said that this is not the end of his career both Venus and Nadal are willing to give more to tennis. Both are role models of many athletes and they never get tired of starting the race again.