Did Anyone notice how Venus Williams was moving in the 3rd set against Jankovic?

[Andy Zarzuela]

I watched the match again, and Venus really looked so ackward moving around in the third set. She wasn't covering the court or having as quick feet as she did in the first 2 sets. Then I found this article. It just didn't make sense why Venus wasn't dominate at all in set 3, now it does.

By HOWARD FENDRICH, AP Tennis Writer
June 3, 2007

AP - May 29, 3:17 pm EDT
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PARIS (AP) -- Turns out Venus Williams played the French Open on a bad knee.

Williams had her left knee checked out by a doctor when she flew home to the United States after losing in the third round at Roland Garros, her father said Sunday.

"Her knee was swollen, and she shouldn't have played here," Richard Williams said after watching his other tennis-playing daughter, Serena, beat Dinara Safina 6-2, 6-3 to reach the French Open quarterfinals.

He said he wondered whether something might be wrong with Venus because of some awkward movement during a three-set loss to Jelena Jankovic on Friday.

"I didn't learn 'till Venus got home that her knee was actually hurting her," he said, adding that joint has troubled her for years.

 

[federerfanatic]

Why would you have expected Venus to dominate the 3rd set. She certainly did not dominate the first 2 sets. Jankovic was the slightly better player in the 1st set, and Venus in the 2nd set. Jankovic is now ranked up as high as #4 in the World and was the hottest player on tour coming into the event. Venus has been injured, had only fair results in the events she has played this year, and clay being her worst surface had only once been past the quarters of the French. Why you would have expected Venus to dominate the 3rd set, or the loss surprised anyone is beyond me. To be honest Venus did much better then most people expected her to by even taking Jankovic to a 3rd set. Good sign for her with Wimbledon, where her chances are much higher then they ever will be at the French Open again, coming up.

 

[MEAC_ALLAMERICAN]

I have to agree; I give full credit to Jelena and try not to take anything away from her victory.

But, I remember earlier in her career, Venus use to deal with right knee tendonitis and this might be another case of it.

 

[federerfanatic]

I have to agree; I give full credit to Jelena and try not to take anything away from her victory.

But, I remember earlier in her career, Venus use to deal with right knee tendonitis and this might be another case of it.

The Williams seem injury prone which is unfortunate. Sometimes when they are not training as much they are criticized for it, when they are doing what is recommended and they should be doing by not training due to their injury. It is funny how the most athletic players seem to most injury prone on the womens side though-Graf, the Williams sisters, Clijsters(maybe doesnt look as much but great athlete as far as quickness and flexibility),

 

[MEAC_ALLAMERICAN]

The Williams seem injury prone which is unfortunate. Sometimes when they are not training as much they are criticized for it, when they are doing what is recommended and they should be doing by not training due to their injury. It is funny how the most athletic players seem to most injury prone on the womens side though-Graf, the Williams sisters, Clijsters(maybe doesnt look as much but great athlete as far as quickness and flexibility),

That’s very true but I think with the right team of physio and trainers, they can keep their body in better conditioning. Another thing with that Venus and Jelena match, I honestly believed Venus was tired, just the Clijsters QF match at the 2005 US Open.

Steffi Graf unfortunately for her the injuries came later in her career.

 

[tennissavy]

Venus was moving very very well. Once again, Jelena beat her and clearly earned her victory.

 

[krz]

sounds like just an excuse and trying to take away from a good performance by jankovic.

 

[Alexandros]

The Williams seem injury prone which is unfortunate. Sometimes when they are not training as much they are criticized for it, when they are doing what is recommended and they should be doing by not training due to their injury. It is funny how the most athletic players seem to most injury prone on the womens side though-Graf, the Williams sisters, Clijsters(maybe doesnt look as much but great athlete as far as quickness and flexibility),

Interesting point. I'd figure it's because the most athletic players try for and make shots that the less flexible/athletic would just let go by, and thus put more stress on their body. Such as Clijsters' splits, Venus' incredible ability to suddenly change directions, Serena's forceful power and torquing of her body, and so forth.l

 

[Nuke]

Do the Williams sisters ever lose just because the other player was better?

 

[gugarafa]

yes ,only their father doesnt seem to notice it