In the 2023 season, the WTA tour saw four winners at the Grand Slams. It was a different scenario a few years ago. Serena Williams and Venus Williams were dominating the tour. Few players were able to break the Williams sisters winning streak consistently. One of the players who consistently emerged through the Williams sisters’ dominance was Justine Henin.
Henin is renowned for having one of the best one-handed backhands in the history of the WTA tour. She had won seven Grand Slams in four years. Henin had played classic matches against Serena and Venus. A video of the 2007 US Open semifinal match between Venus and Henin went viral on X. “This was the Golden Era of women’s tennis for me,” a fan commented after watching the rally in the video.
This was the Golden Era of women’s tennis for me. The talent was brimming over and the star power was blinding.
— Marco (@Mrey55) November 30, 2023
The Belgian player had played nine matches against Venus on the tour. Venus led their head-to-head with seven wins. The 2007 US Open battle was their last meeting on tour, which Henin won in an hour and 53 minutes. She became one of the few players to beat Serena and Venus back in straight sets at a grand slam. Henin retired at 29 in 2011, while Venus is ready to play in her 30th year on the WTA tour.
Venus Williams confirms Australian Open absence in 2024
Venus Williams has been spending time off the court since September. She last played at the US Open and has been resting ever since. The 43-year-old has not played at the Australian Open since 2022. Venus revealed that she will be out in the first two months of the 2024 season. Fans can expect the veteran player to record upset wins next season on the hardcourt.
The seven-time Grand Slam champion has played ten matches this season. She won three matches and is currently ranked No. 407. Venus had started the season outside the top 1000. The rankings can be improved once she consistently plays matches throughout the season. She will try to hold on to a winning streak by recovering from injuries in the next few months.
Venus has not had a two-match winning streak in the past four years. She had lost consecutive matches at Cincinnati in 2019, where she reached the quarterfinals. Injuries have been affecting Venus since then on the tour. Fans can see Venus in action during the clay court season. They will hope that Venus brings in more classic matches on the WTA tour before her retirement.