‘Was Sad When She Retired’- Venus Williams Remembers Her Former Rival Radwanska

Before Iga Swiatek put Poland on the Grand Slam map by winning the French Open 2020, Agnieszka Radwanska was the flag bearer for Poland in tennis. Radwanska was a Grand Slam finalist and winner of 20 WTA titles. During the highs of Serena Williams, she was one of her prime challengers. Despite not winning a slam, she left behind a legacy and Venus Williams acknowledged that recently.

Venus Williams and Agnieszka Radwanska’s rivalry

As Wimbledon posted a compilation of some outstanding shots from Radwanska, Venus Williams commented on the post. Citing the Polish player’s greatness, Venus revealed her feelings around Radwanska’s retirement.

Venus and Radwanska battled against each other 12 times with Radwanska winning four and Venus winning eight.

“I was sad when she retired. So great,” Venus commented.

Radwanska had somewhat shocked the world with her early retirement at the age of 29. At a time where tennis careers stretch until the age of 35, Radwanska announced the news before turning 30 in 2018.

Iga Swiatek on Agnieszka Radwanska

Despite Radwanska not being the first Polish player to win a Grand Slam, her influence on tennis in Poland is huge. Iga Swiatek spoke highly of her, following her French Open triumph.

“Aga wasn’t my idol because, as I said, I mainly watched men’s tennis and Nadal matches. But she was an incredible inspiration for young players from Poland. It showed that it is possible to play at the highest level even if we don’t have the best funding system in our country. With her great career, she has proven that you can do it alone and that it is worth fighting for.”

Radwanska had her highs like a Wimbledon final and a WTA Tour finals triumph. She reached her highest ranking of 2nd back in 2012.

Incidentally, her prime coincided with Serena Williams‘ heroic in the early 2010s. Radwanska played Serena ten times, losing on all occasions. Their closest match was the Wimbledon final in 2012, where Radwanska and Serena battled for over two hours.

Read More: Venus Williams Commits Playing European Swing Before French Open 2021