Venus Williams is out of the 2018 Australian Open in her very first match, losing to Belinda Bencic in straight sets, 6-3, 7-5. Bencic was considered one of the toughest openers among the top-seeded men and women when the draw was announced, and it’s clear why.
American women Venus Williams, Sloane Stephens fall on Australian Open’s 1st day
Williams is out after being one of the favorites to win it, falling to Belinda Bencic in her opener.
Photo by Cameron Spencer/Getty Images
Williams has never won at the Australian Open, but she’s made the final twice: in 2003 and last year, 2017. There, she lost to her sister, Serena Williams, who isn’t participating in this year’s Grand Slam. Williams was the best hope for an American woman to win it.
Another American woman, the 13th-seeded Sloane Stephens, also fell on the tournament’s opening day. Shuai Zhang bested her in three sets, 6-2, 6-7(2), 6-2.
Williams was one of the favorites to win it before play started, despite her tough opener against Bencic. With her out of the picture, more eyes than ever will be on top seeds Simona Halep and Elina Svitolina, the two other popular picks for winning it all.
You can find results, scores and schedules for the women’s singles bracket at the Australian Open right here. Results for the men’s side can be found here.
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