It shouldn’t end like this for Venus

It’s not supposed to end like this. But of course, too often it does. No matter how great you have been, how many records you have shattered, or how many people you have thrilled.

More than a few years ago it was Willie Mays hanging on with the New York Mets and being unable to hang on to fly balls he once turned into automatic outs.

And Joe Willie Namath, with the San Diego Chargers, so far from Broadway and so far from the quarterback who would make the cover of Sports Illustrated and make himself a legend. 

Now, it is Venus Williams, who on Tuesday in the first round of the U.S. Open was not just defeated but crushed, 6-1, 6-1. By a qualifier, no less, Greet Minnen of Belgium. 

How stunning, how terrible even if Venus can take it, soldiering on, flailing so to speak, as the rest of us can’t. We didn’t want to hear Pavarotti when his voice was gone. We don’t want to watch Venus Williams when her game is gone.

Which, sadly, it has been for a few years. 

It’s a problem as old as sports, as life really. We keep aging. And new kids keep moving in. Father Time — or if you will, Mother Time — gets the last forehand. Really the last laugh.

Through a remarkable career that started with her first pro match in Oakland, in October 1994, Venus has been careful with her words and protective of her emotions.  

Younger sister Serena might misbehave now and then, but Venus, even when losing matches, never lost control. She remained steadfast and resolute. 

Also from her comments after being routed by Minnen, she seemed somewhat in self-delusion. 

“I don’t think I played badly,” said Venus. “It was just one of those days where I was a bit unlucky.”

In winning only one game of each set? That’s not misfortune, that’s a misunderstanding. Her game has left with the years, and what might be acceptable — to us, if not Venus — is if she were competing against others her own age (not that there are any), she wouldn’t get thrashed.  

The argument against Venus giving in, not so much giving up, has been presented here at various times — a tennis player, unlike a football or basketball player, is in no particular danger as time passes.

Maybe a few more pulled muscles, but no worry about being hit by a 300-pound linebacker. Still, how will one of the all-time greats accept a match like this one?  

Her response after the defeat was typical Venus, all class, no whining, “I have to give credit to my opponent,” she said. “I mean there wasn’t a shot she couldn’t make. Even when I hit really amazing shots she hit a winner or a drop shot.”

What Venus may have hit was the bottom. Stunning. Terrible.