Venus Williams has become the oldest ever player to defeat a world No.1.
The 36-year-old American recorded an impressive 7-5 6-3 win over top-ranked German Angelique Kerber to move into the Miami Open semifinals.
.@VenusesWilliams defeats World No.1 Kerber 7-5, 6-3!
Secures the last spot in @MiamiOpen Semifinals! pic.twitter.com/gm9m6iBZy5
— WTA (@WTA) March 30, 2017
It was Venus’ 15th career victory over a world No.1, and first since August 2014 when she defeated younger sister Serena. Remarkably today’s result comes 19 years after her first win over No.1 (when she beat Martina Hingis in Sydney in January 1998).
After not recording a top 10 victory in 2016, Venus has now scored back-to-back wins in Miami after defeating world No.7 Svetlana Kuznetsova in the previous round.
“I play my best when I am aggressive,” Venus said. “Angie is playing better than the last time I played her, which was in a Wimbledon semi-final.
“It was good to get to play her and it is an amazing feeling to be better than the world number one.”
Venus next plays Brit Johanna Konta in tomorrow’s semifinals, as she aims to win her first Miami Open title since 2001.
"It's an amazing feeling to be better than the World No.1!" –@VenusesWilliams #MiamiOpen pic.twitter.com/bi6JxrA7ts
— WTA (@WTA) March 30, 2017
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