Venus Williams eager to return to Western & Southern Open

With the US Open only a few weeks away, most players are preparing for the final Grand Slam of the year by competing in events across North America. This includes Venus Williams, who will be participating at the Western & Southern Open, held in Cincinnati, Ohio.

Making her eighth appearance at the event, Williams has several fond memories of Cincinnati. However, she believes the fans are what make the tournament truly memorable.

"I've come into the airport and I'm just seeing throngs of fans piling in from everywhere, and you can always tell who a tennis fan is," Williams said in an interview with The Enquirer. "That part is really cool to see how the tournament is supported not only locally, but around the whole country."

Furthermore, the 41-year old looks forward to different activities outside of tennis in Cincinnati, particularly the amusement parks.

"We always hit the amusement park. Like always," recalls Williams. "So we're definitely gonna hit the roller coaster. I don't know what the name of it was, but it was basically just a drop that was so wild. We were in the front seat. I just remember thinking, 'I'm never doing this again,' and I'm going to have to eat my words and do it again."

Williams has been awarded a wild card entry to compete at this event. The Western & Southern Open is being held at the Lindner Family Tennis Center in Mason, from August 14-22, 2021.