Jon Wertheim says why Venus Williams beating Karolina Muchova would have been a bad look for tennis at the US Open

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Venus Williams impressed in New York, but couldn’t quite pick up the win in her opening match.

The veteran returned to tennis earlier this summer in Washington, where Williams beat Peyton Stearns in her opening match.

Losing her next two matches in DC and Cincinnati, Williams returned to action at Flushing Meadows for the US Open.

Taking on the Czech 11th seed Karolina Muchova, the 45-year-old was always going to be up against it, but gave a good account of herself on Arthur Ashe Stadium.

In three sets, Williams lost to Muchova 3-6, 6-2, 1-6, coming up short against a woman 16 years her junior.

Reacting to her first-round defeat, Jon Wertheim suggested why it would have been a bad look for tennis had Williams beaten Muchova.

Jon Wertheim thinks Karolina Muchova losing to ‘part-time’ Venus Williams wouldn’t have looked good

During the latest episode of ‘Quick Served’, Wertheim gave his verdict on the blockbuster first-round match.

“For large chunks of the evening, it looked like Venus Williams was doing a pretty good Venus Williams impression out there,” he said.

“She was holding her serve with ease, moving quite well and giving her younger and higher-ranked opponent some real fits.

“Say this: Venus certainly earned her wildcard. But beyond that, this was really a nice occasion to toast a champion. 

“So often in sports, we do not fully appreciate athletes or give them their full due until they are off stage. Not the case here.

“Venus surely felt the warmth and affection of the crowd, and for about an hour, she really captivated everyone by staying in this match, staying in the second set.

“Who knows if she will play again. Never say never, especially with Venus Williams.

“But if in fact this was her final match at the US Open, then it was a great night session; she plays a well-regarded opponent and acquits herself quite well.”

Wertheim proceeded to explain why Williams beating Muchova would not have been a good look for tennis.

“If we are being honest with ourselves, I’m not sure if it would have been a great look if a 45-year-old woman who is essentially playing tennis part-time, as towering a champion as Venus Williams is, beats a player who is on the cusp of a top ten seeding, I’m not sure that is a great look,” he said.

“So in a way, everybody won tonight. Venus looked terrific. She gave us a reminder of why she was the champion she was, but the younger player and the player with the much higher ranking, who may even be a contender here, she ended up prevailing.”

The American is certainly right to describe Muchova as a contender, considering her past performances at Flushing Meadows.

Karolina Muchova’s US Open record

There’s no shame in losing to Muchova at the US Open, as the Czech star has performed better in New York than at any other Grand Slam tournament.

Muchova has qualified for the semifinals on her two previous visits to the US Open, narrowly missing out on a place in the final in 2023 and 2024.

• 2023 US Open SF – Karolina Muchova lost to Coco Gauff
• 2024 US Open SF – Karolina Muchova lost to Jessica Pegula

The Czech led by a set to love in last year’s semifinal with Jessica Pegula before the American fought back to win in three sets.

Looking to reach her third consecutive US Open semifinal, Muchova has her work cut out for her.

Karolina Muchova’s route to the semis (By ranking)

• 1R – Beat Venus Williams
• 2R – Sorana Cirstea
• 3R – [21] Linda Noskova
• 4R – [27] Marta Kostyuk
• QF – [3] Coco Gauff

Following Madison Keys’ shock first-round defeat, Muchova’s section opened up, although a dangerous opponent could still await her in the quarterfinals.

Coco Gauff, whom Muchova trails in the head-to-head 0-4, is her most likely quarterfinal opponent.

The 29-year-old would love another crack at Gauff in New York, but won’t want to get too far ahead of herself, as she first focuses on her second-round match.

Muchova will play either Sorana Cirstea or Solana Sierra in round two on Wednesday, August 27.