Swiss teenager Celine Naef exploded the comeback scenario for 42-year-old Venus Williams as the 17-year-old fought back to send the veteran packing 3-6, 7-6(3), 6-2 at the WTA event in the Netherlands.
It took two and a quarter hours for the teenager to reach the second round, with holidaying younger Williams sister Serena watching her sibling crash and burn.
Williams owns seven Grand Slam singles crowns including five at Wimbledon – but she had few hopes against the youngster. ranked 202. The American went down with 41 unforced errors.
Naef, coached as a child by Melanie Molitor – mother of Martina Hingis – was born in 2005, when Williams already owned five Grand Slam titles.
Naef was playing her first match at the WTA level while Williams had not competed – even on a part-time basis since Auckland in January when she suffered a hamstring injury.
“I cannot believe I had the chance to play against Venus,” Naef said. “She’s an amazing player and really a role model for anyone.
“For me, it was the biggest stage I ever played. It was incredible and amazing to play in front of such a big crowd.
“I was very nervous, maybe you could see, but I tried to keep going and try my best.”
Main photo:- Celine Naef beating Venus Williams today in Rosmalen – by WTATennis.com
