With the 2023 Wimbledon Championships nearing its end, the intensity on the grass courts at Wimbledon is going up. Players are giving it all to become the best and claim the top honors. Further, this year saw the return of five-time Wimbledon champion, Venus Williams. The former World Number One had missed last year’s edition owing to an injury. However, her comeback didn’t go according to her plans as she bowed out of the tournament in the opening round. Nonetheless, Venus had something to cheer as she received special praise.

With players toiling it hard amidst unpredictable climatic conditions, hitting partners at Wimbledon have been kept on their toes. The tournament’s official hitting partner, Jessica Matthews, earlier revealed what was it to be like coming up against some of the biggest stars of the sporting world.

What did Jessica Matthews say about Venus Williams?

Wimbledon’s official hitting partner, Jessica Matthews has practiced with the likes of Victoria Azarenka and Sloane Stephens apart from Venus. Heaping special praise on the 43-year-old, Matthews said, “Maybe Venus Williams was the most intense. That was so much fun, so much fun. She was really into running from side to side — and wanting me to run from side to side.”

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Further, making a candid revelation on the players, she said, “I’m having to message people halfway through, saying ‘Please bring water!’ But especially before the tournament began, a lot of players wanted to go so hard — it was more cardio and stamina training than just consistency.”

Venus disappoints at the 2023 Wimbledon Championships

Despite making a high-profile return on the grass courts at Wimbledon, the seven-time Grand Slam champion couldn’t live up to the fans’ hopes. Coming up against Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina, the former World Number One lost tamely in straight sets 6-4, 6-3. With age not by her side, it remains to be seen if she returns to the tournament next year.

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On another note, Venus received much-needed positive news after Wimbledon exit. The 43-year-old received a wild card to play at the National Bank Open in Canada. This comes as a major boost for Venus, given that her WTA ranking has plummeted to 558. Moreover, with the US Open in sight later this year, Venus will hope to put on a good show in Canada.