
Venus, ranked 14 in the world, is no stranger to being upset by Bondarenko — the 28-year-old Ukrainian having beaten her when the American was third in the world in Toronto in 2009.
Bondarenko — who retired from the circuit at the end of 2012 before returning two years later — looked to be cruising at 6-4, 5-2 before 35-year-old Williams rediscovered her touch and fighting spirit and battled back to even serve for the set.
However, Bondarenko — a highest ranked 29 in 2009 — woke up from her mini slump and won 11 of the last 15 points to take the match.
“I’m really sad,” said Venus. “I came here to play and to win but I ran into an opponent who was just too hot today.”
Published in The Express Tribune, July 23rd, 2015.
Like Sports on Facebook, follow @ETribuneSports on Twitter to stay informed and join in the conversation.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ