"Muchova, the No. 11 seed, won, 6-3, 2-6, 6-1, as what many expected to be a mismatch turned into a night to remember at Arthur Ashe Stadium. "I didn't win today, but I'm very proud of how I played," Williams said later. It was fun, and it more than justified the USTA's decision to give the seven-time major champion and two-time Open champion - most recently 24 years ago! - a wild-card invitation to the event."
""The lights are very bright out there," she said. "I don't think I've ever had a crowd that much on my side. Even when I lost those first two games, they were just still right there with me. It felt great. I knew going into this match that people in this stadium, people in the United States, people around the world, were really rooting for me and that felt great to have that kind of support.""
Venus Williams returned to the U.S. Open at age 45 after receiving a USTA wild-card and playing only three matches this season. Williams faced Karolina Muchova, the No. 11 seed, and lost 6-3, 2-6, 6-1. Williams entered the match ranked 602nd but showed flashes of her classic form and celebrated big points with raucous ovations from a supportive Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd. Muchova acknowledged the crowd largely rooted for Williams and called the atmosphere unforgettable. Williams described pride in her play and gratitude for the support and inclusion in a grand slam event.
Read at Newsday
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