Magdalena Frech reveals the two changes she made to her game that helped her beat Venus Williams in Washington

Venus Williams’ campaign at the Washington Open has come to an end in the round of 16 after she was defeated by Magdalena Frech in straight sets.

Frech cruised past the American 6-2, 6-2, to advance to the quarter-finals in D.C., where she’ll face Elena Rybakina.

Williams had earned a statement victory over Peyton Stearns in the first round, becoming the second player since 1990 aged over 45 to win a main draw match at WTA level, following Martina Navratilova.

The eight-time Grand Slam champion couldn’t find an answer for fifth seed Frech, however, who reflected on her meeting with the legend after the match.

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Magdalena Frech reacts to defeating Venus Williams in D.C.

Frech said the main objective against Williams after watching her in the first round was to try and make her move.

She explained: “I knew I’d have to exchange direction. I need to focus on my serve. I tried to serve a lot of wide serves.

“I think it worked really well. I also tried to play a lot of slices, like I changed the rhythm all the time, because I knew if I played the same ball, she’s gonna hit it even with more power, and it’s going to be tough. I knew I had to change it.”

“I think it was a really emotional match for me, for sure. You know, if you are playing Venus Williams here in the U.S., it’s always tough with the supporters, crowd, and the media and all the stuff.

“I saw her match in her first round, and she played amazing. So I knew it was going to be a really tough match. But I think I was prepared really good with my coach.

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“We did a lot of stuff before the match. So, yeah, I tried to move her, and I tried to change directions, and I think it worked well.”

Magdalena Frech says what Venus Williams is doing is ‘unbelievable’

When asked about the first time she ever watched Williams play, Frech said: “Actually, you know, I didn’t have a lot of time when I was a kid to watch the tennis, because I had a lot of stuff to do, like practices, school, friends. I wasn’t at home, actually.

“I don’t remember. I think I saw her matches when she came back, after her career when she came back. I remember a lot of Serena. For sure, I was watching the matches. But Venus, just when she came back.

“I can’t imagine myself in 17 years, always I’m comparing her age, it’s unbelievable to have a motivation to stand on the court, to practice, because she needs a lot of practice like all of us, and it’s so tough.

“I can’t even imagine how she pushes herself. It’s really amazing.”

Williams isn’t done yet, though, having been granted a wildcard for the Cincinnati Open later this summer.

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