Venus Williams’ run at the Birmingham Classic came to an end on Thursday, as she was defeated by second-seeded Jelena Ostapenko in the second round. Williams, who is 42 years old, had won her first match of the tournament on Monday, defeating Camila Giorgi for her first victory over a top-50 player in nearly four years.
However, she was unable to maintain her momentum against Ostapenko, who won 6-3, 5-7, 6-3. Ostapenko, who is 25 years old and the 2017 French Open champion, was too strong for Williams. In the deciding set, Ostapenko broke Williams’ serve twice to seal the victory.
Venus Williams was disappointed with the loss. But she said that she was proud of the way she competed. “I’m always disappointed when I lose, but I’m proud of the way I fought,” she said. “I’m still working my way back, and I’m getting better every day.”
Ostapenko said she was looking forward to the rest of the tournament. “I’m feeling good,” she said. “I’m playing well and confident. I’m looking forward to the next match.”
Williams’ loss means that there will be no all-Williams final in Birmingham this year. Her sister, Serena, was also eliminated from the tournament on Wednesday, losing to Aryna Sabalenka in the first round.
The Birmingham Classic is a WTA 500 tournament. It’s a warm-up event for Wimbledon and played on grass courts. It offers match practice before the Grand Slam.
Ostapenko will next face Alison Riske in the quarterfinals of the Birmingham Classic. Riske defeated Camila Osorio in the second round.
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