Jessica Bouzas Maneiro says how she honestly felt playing against Venus Williams after knocking her out in Cincinnati

Venus Williams’ campaign in Cincinnati has come to an end in the first round after losing to Jessica Bouzas Maneiro.

Bouzas Maneiro overcame the American in straight sets 6-4, 6-4 to book her place in round two at the WTA 1000 event.

Williams made her return to tennis in July at the Washington Open, where she clinched her first win since August 2023.

She had received a wildcard for the Cincinnati Open and was looking to make a deep run at the tournament, but ultimately, the Spaniard proved too much for her.

Following her triumph over Williams, Bouzas Maneiro explained how she felt overcoming a legend.

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Jessica Bouzas Maneiro reacts to defeating Venus Williams

In her on-court interview, she said: “It wasn’t easy at all. She’s a legend. It’s a privilege to play against her.

“For me, it’s like a dream. I never thought that I could play against Venus Williams, but here I am. So I’m just lucky for that.”

“I mean, it was tough to play against her. I was trying to put a lot of intensity, but I had no rhythm. And yeah, she hits so hard.

“So I wasn’t ready, maybe, but I was trying to be focused, because of course, it’s not easy to play against her. I had to be positive and take it point by point.”

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Venus Williams’ results since returning to tennis

Williams’ last match before this year was at the Miami Open in 2024, where she lost in the opening round.

In Washington last month, she defeated compatriot Peyton Stearns in straight sets before suffering defeat to fifth seed Magdalena Frech in round two.

She also played doubles in the US capital and reached the second round alongside her partner, Hailey Baptiste.

After her Cincinnati singles run came to an end against Bouzas Maneiro, fans will be keen to see if Williams receives a wildcard for this year’s US Open.

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