Venus Williams receives a wildcard entry to Sony Ericsson Open – Tennis News
Former World Number one, Venus Williams, is allotted a wildcard for the Sony Ericsson Open tournament that will start from the March 20, 2012. Williams is out of action for a long period of time; only making one appearance on the court in the doubles category
this year during the Federation Cup earlier this month.
She was scheduled to play the season-opener, ASB Classic in Auckland, but pulled out at the last moment due to her chronic medical issues especially the disease that has almost stretched her on the verge of retirement, Sjogren's syndrome. She is still eyeing
her first singles clash ever since her departure from the tennis circuit after withdrawing in the first round of the US Open, last year.
Williams is three time Champion of the Key Biscayne title. She won her first of those trophies in 1998 and successfully defended her title in the following year. With a break of one year, in 2001 she reclaimed her throne and won the title. Since then there
is no advancement from her towards the title except her emphatic run in 2010 that placed her in the title match against the former World Number one, Kim Clijsters. She was the third seed contestant but lost the match to the 14th seed Belgian in
straight sets 6-2, 6-1.
The American tennis icon missed last year’s tournament due to severe illness but made a comeback this year and hopefully plays well to entertain the crowd.
While talking to media representatives about her inclusion in the tournament, she said, “I am looking forward to my return to competitive tennis at the Sony Ericsson Open. I have spent most of my life in Southern Florida and view the Sony Ericsson Open as
a hometown event. I have had many great experiences playing there and look forward to returning in the coming weeks.”
Two other wildcard entrants that were announced in a press conference held on Thursday includes the former World Number five, Fernando Gonzalez, and former World Number three, David Nalbandian. Both these were also happy to be playing the tournament in Miami.
Tags: