Venus Williams out at Birmingham Classic as Ostapenko denies another unbelievable display from 43-year-old legend
WTAThursday, 22 June 2023 at 21:40
No.2 seed Jelena Ostapenko is through at the Birmingham Classic to the Quarter-Finals but has defied another unbelievable display from the evergreen Venus Williams with the former winning 6-3, 5-7, 6-3.
Ostapenko will play Magdelena Frech next who took out No.8 seed, Sorana Cirstea 6-3, 6-7(1), 6-4.
Williams earned the early advantage and defied injury and her age to break for a 3-2 lead with a superb lunging backhand slice which landed superbly as a drop shot. Ostapenko responded with a break and found her range from there sweeping the opening set after 35 minutes.
Williams did not win a point behind her second serve in the first set but despite a medical timeout in the second and going 5-3 down. Williams saved a match point to close the gap to 5-4.
Having seen a chance to close it come and go, Ostapenko produced an error-strewn game to make it 5-5 and it was firmly game on.
She won six consecutive games to take it into an improbable decider but back came Ostapenko with a break to end this run and lead 4-3 before closing out the victory with a third break. Ending an unbelievable run from Williams and moving through.
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- No one else would get away with this but these AMERCANS! It’s the US Open!! In America!! But sure, go off American ;)DaveyWavey08-09-2026
- WOW !!! Her comebacks have been intense. She's Baaaaack!
mandoist08-09-2026 - Don't lay this shitshow on "Americans". It is a long-running Ego trip with WTA allowing these two Elitists 'in need of a Camera' illicit Wildcards. If these two clowns want to "perform" -- then play the qualies.mandoist08-09-2026
- Here we go again…. Different rules for Americans! Especially THESE Americans. Yuck!DaveyWavey07-09-2026
- It almost feels like they’re on their own “Legacy Tour” by playing these events … but losing each one! No press = $$$ fineDaveyWavey07-09-2026
- Love to listen to Mirra. However, I'm worried about her eyesight if she thinks oversized lips is "pretty".mandoist06-09-2026
- One of the most amazing comebacks in a long, long time. It happens (and Keys shouldn't lose her crackers over this). If Madison starts playing Dress-up and walking out on court like some fantasy character with a Mental Problem... then she should really start worrying!mandoist06-09-2026
- STOP the "Look at Me" Tour now... and forever!!mandoist05-09-2026
- This article is SPOT ON!!!Rapunzel04-09-2026
- This article is SPOT ON!!!Rapunzel04-09-2026
Loading
