The much-anticipated stay of the Williams sisters in Auckland was cut short on Wednesday as both crowd favorites at the 2017 ASB Classic failed to make the quarterfinals of the event, for two very different reasons.
Venus Williams had to withdraw from her second-round match against Japanese rising star Naomi Osaka, after suffering a right arm injury in her match against local New Zealand wildcard Jade Lewis, who gave the tennis veteran plenty of trouble early in the first set.
Sister Serena Williams had to fight a whole different issue. Playing later in the day, the world #2 was plagued by very strong winds, allowing fellow American Madison Brengle to clinch a shocking upset win over the tennis legend after three highly-emotional sets.
That’s it for our photos from Auckland, but we’re just warming up with our WTA coverage, as Jimmie48 is already in Sydney, ready to bring us photo coverage from the Premier-level tournament already from the qualifying stage.
MORE PHOTOS FROM THE 2017 ASB CLASSIC:
- Tuesday: Serena, Wozniacki, Strycova, Osaka, Barthel, Gibbs and others in action
- Monday: Rain cuts Monday short in New Zealand
- Sunday: Serena and Venus Williams’ exhibition with Marina Erakovic and Caroline Wozniacki
- Saturday: The 2017 officially begins with Auckland’s qualifying action
I was rooting for Serena to win this tournament because of the hype she created over the off season. Because of Serena, Venus and Caro’s exits, I think Julia will win this tournament now.
I really dislike the Williams sisters, I think they are great for the sport and give young girls who want to play tennis something to aim at. Venus doesn’t play at the level that she used to be at, and I personally think its time for her to hang up her racket.