Wimbledon 2022 | Inspired by Serena: Venus Williams on her return to championship mixed doubles

Venus Williams made a triumphant return to the Grasscourt Major as she, along with Jamie Murray, defeated Elisjah Rosolska and Michael Venus in the first round of Wimbledon

Venus Williams in action during her first round match at Wimbledon mixed doubles.

Venus Williams in action during her first round match at Wimbledon mixed doubles. (courtesy: AP)

highlighted

  • Venus Williams and Jamie Murray advance to second round
  • Serena Williams was knocked out in the first round of singles
  • Andy Murray knocked out in second round of singles

Five-time singles Wimbledon champion Venus Williams credits her sister Serena for her return to the championship.

Venus made a triumphant return on July 1 at the Grasscourt Major. She received a wild card for mixed doubles with Jamie Murray. The pair defeated Eliza Rosolska and Michael Venus 6-3, 6-7(3), 6-3 in their first round match on Court No.

“(Entering) It was definitely last minute. Just inspired by Serena,” Venus said after the match.

Venus said he “has no plans to play. (But) I saw the grass and I got excited … I haven’t played in a year so you don’t know what you’re going to get.”

When asked about her future, Venus said: “You never know where I’ll pop up”.

Jamie, who also has a famous brother, Andy Murray, said that Venus’s camp sent him a message asking for a mate.

“I think you played very well,” said Jamie. “Like, she hasn’t played in a long time. First match, big court, lots of people. It’s not easy. It was a great experience playing with Venus Williams. When will I get a chance to do that?”

Serena and Andy

Serena returned to singles competition on June 28. The 23-time Grand Slam champion crashed out of the tournament after losing her first round match to Harmony Tan of France. Meanwhile, Andy was knocked out by John Isner in the second round.

Interestingly, Serena and Andy also featured in mixed doubles at the 2019 Wimbledon and made it to the third round.