Venus Williams knocked out by Jessica Bouzas Maneiro in Cincinnati opener
Tennis legend Venus Williams suffered an early exit at the Cincinnati Open 2025, falling 6-4, 6-4 to Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro in the first round on Thursday. Despite staging a comeback from a 4-1 deficit in the opening set, the 45-year-old American could not maintain momentum, bowing out after an 87-minute battle.
The Cincinnati Open, an ATP-WTA 1000 event and a key warm-up for the US Open 2025, saw Williams competing for the second time in three weeks after her comeback from a 16-month injury layoff.
A Tough Return for the Tennis Icon
Williams’ return to the WTA Tour began earlier this month at the Washington Open, where she won her first-round match before losing to Magdalena Frech in straight sets. In Cincinnati, the former world No. 1 faced a stern test against Bouzas Maneiro, ranked 51st in the world, who admitted the encounter was a career highlight.
"She's a legend, it was a privilege to play against her," said Bouzas Maneiro. "I never thought I would play Venus. I tried to keep up the intensity, but she hits so hard. Staying positive was the key."
Health Battles and New Mindset
Williams’ journey back to competition follows a challenging health battle. Last year, she underwent surgery to remove uterine fibroids, a procedure that temporarily sidelined her career.
Now cleared to compete, Williams says she’s approaching tennis with a renewed outlook.
"I have received a clean bill of health, thank God," she said. "I’m in a completely different mindset and enjoying being back on the court."
The Cincinnati Open has long been a part of Williams’ career, marking her 11th appearance at the event. She reached the semi-finals in 2012, and in her last showing in 2023, she lost in the second round to Zheng Qinwen of China.
This year’s edition serves as the final major preparation for the US Open 2025, starting August 25 in New York, where Williams will look to make another deep run.
Other Cincinnati Open Results
In other matches from the opening day:
- Joao Fonseca (Brazil) defeated Bu Yunchaokete (China) 4-6, 6-2, 7-5, snapping a three-match losing streak in Masters 1000 events.
- Zizou Bergs (Belgium) beat Jakob Fearnley (Britain) 6-1, 6-4.
- French duo Benjamin Bonzi and Arthur Rinderknech also advanced to the next round.
Chris John