Venus
Williams couldn't overcome Nao Hibino and fell 6-2, 3-6, 0-6 in the first round
of Indian Wells. In her first match since the 2023 US Open, the 7-times Grand
Slam champion once again displayed her competitive spirit but couldn't sustain
it throughout the match against the Japanese player who came through the
qualifiers.
In her 31st season as a professional, Williams decided to
return to Indian Wells after a five-year absence, starting a match on Wednesday
night that halted with a 1-1 tie in the first set.
Resuming the match on Thursday, March 7, Venus took the lead
in her first service game, a crucial moment in a set where both players
struggled with their serves. During the set, Hibino failed to hold her serve at
all, despite having a 67% first-serve percentage, winning only 29% of them, and
a mere 14% with the second.
On Williams' side, she excelled in crucial points, saved a
break point against her, and capitalized on her opportunities to close the set
6-2, showcasing her trademark strength in rallies.
In the second set, things changed for both players, who no
longer struggled as much with their serves. Hibino had a break point in her
favor in the first game of the set but couldn't capitalize on it. Both players
held their serves without offering break opportunities to their opponent during
the first half of the set. With the score at 3-3, a new chance came for the
Japanese player, and this time she seized it to take the lead against Venus for
the first time in the match.
The break was a turning point in the match, as from then on,
Venus appeared out of sync, and Hibino completely dominated the rest of the
encounter. The Japanese player won the next two games consecutively and closed
the set 6-3.
At the beginning of the third set, Venus Williams showed her
last efforts and had several break points in her favor, but couldn't capitalize
on them. Nevertheless, Hibino didn't falter and cruised over the former world
No. 1 for the remainder of the set, winning six consecutive games to secure a
hard-fought triumph 2-6, 6-3, 6-0. In the second round, she will face the
Russian Veronika Kudermetova (No. 17), who received a bye in the first round.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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