Venus’ Wimbledon debut – 20 years ago

Exactly 20 years ago Wednesday, a 17-year-old named Venus Williams made her debut at Wimbledon.

Williams, so good so young, never had to play the qualifying. She was ranked No. 59 when she went out to face No. 91, Poland’s Magdalena Grzybowska.

Grzybowska won, 4-6, 6-2, 6-4.

Three years later, she won the first of her five titles. In the video, Venus said she would have “many more”. Who knew she would have 19 more – and counting?

Grzybowska, the 1996 Australian Open junior champ, reached a career high of No. 30. Still only 38, she’s been retired nearly 15 years after knee problems.

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Stephanie Myles

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