“After the medical break, I was thinking she was a good actress” – When Venus Williams was accused of feigning injury by Elena Dementieva


Venus Williams lost to Elena Dementieva in the 2004 Nasdaq-100 QF

Venus Williams was at the receiving end of many a tirade during the early years of her career over accusations of feigning injuries.

At Indian Wells in 2001, Williams who withdrew ahead of a match against her sister was targeted unfairly while Elena Dementieva called her an actress for taking a medical break in 2004.

Venus Williams, who appeared to injure her ankle in the second set of the Nasdaq-100 Open quarterfinal against Dementieva, eventually lost 3-6, 7-5, 6-7.

“After the medical break I was thinking she was a good actress because she was moving so much better than before,” Dementieva stated after the match.

Williams’ grimace after an on-court fall did little to convince her Russian opponent who opined that the California-born player’s movement remained unaffected.

“On her face it looked like she had something very painful, but then she started to move very well,” said Dementieva who lost two points after Williams’ break.

Williams, however, contested Elena Dementieva’s claims vehemently arguing that she clearly twisted her ankle as a result of the fall before taking a nine-minute injury break.

“Maybe I should talk to her. I clearly twisted my ankle and I had issues there. But if that’s the way she feels, that’s fine,” Williams declared.

“These days, to be a champ and to be a winner, you have to play under all circumstances and I think that’s what I did. I just tried to ignore it,” she added.

Elena Dementieva was vocal about the Williams’ sisters on more than one occasion, making startling predictions like she did at the 2001 Indian Wells Open.

“I think Richard will decide who’s going to win tomorrow” – Elena Dementieva after losing to Venus Williams in 2001 Indian Wells QF

Elena Dementieva thi đấu tại Indian Wells
Elena Dementieva in action at Indian Wells
Elena Dementieva made the headlines back in 2001 for declaring that Venus Williams’ father Richard would decide the outcome of an upcoming Indian Wells match.

Dementieva made the astonishing assertion after Venus Williams defeated her 6-0, 6-3 to set up a match against sister Serena Williams in the semifinals of the 2001 Indian Wells Open.

“I mean, I don’t know what Richard thinks about it. I think he (Richard) will decide who’s going to win tomorrow. But it looks like Serena because I saw a little bit of this match, she played extremely well. I think she will be in the final,” Dementieva claimed.
Venus Williams was quick to trash Dementieva’s statements, saying rumours were more exciting than the truth.
“No, it’s not a true opinion at all. Everyone makes their own comments. That’s how rumors get started. I guess rumors are more exciting than the truth,” said Williams in response.
As it turned out, Venus Williams pulled out of the Indian Wells semifinal just before the match was scheduled to begin, citing a foot injury.

Serena Williams was booed by the crowd during her title clash against Kim Clijsters since fans believed that Venus Williams’ last-minute withdrawal was manipulated by her father Richard.

Related Posts

Sergio Perez Now Faces a Significant New Obstacle in His Bid to Secure a Seat with Cadillac for the 2026 Formula 1 Season, Raising Doubts About His Future in the Sport as This Challenge Could Have Serious Implications for His Prospects in the Highly Competitive F1 World.

Sergio Perez would have been looking on at what’s happening at Red Bull Racing this week with great interest after losing his seat on the grid at…

Helmut Marko has issued an official statement regarding the future of Red Bull Racing, providing insights into the team’s plans following the shock removal of Christian Horner from his position. The decision has sent ripples throughout the Formula 1 world, and Marko’s comments aim to clarify Red Bull’s next moves.

Photo: © IMAGO Red Bull F1 advisor Helmut Marko has opened up on the team’s future following the shock dismissal of Christian Horner. Horner was removed from his…

The FIA’s Penalty Controversy That Cost Oscar Piastri a Well-Deserved Win: An In-Depth Look at the Decision That Shook the Racing World.

Lando Norris Triumphs at Silverstone, but Was Oscar Piastri’s 10-Second Penalty Fair? The 2025 British Grand Prix at Silverstone was a spectacle, with Lando Norris emerging victorious…

Christian Horner ‘Convinced’ Ferrari Move Depends on One Key Factor as Scuderia Targets Red Bull’s Ex-Chief.

Christian Horner might not have to wait long to receive offers to return to Formula 1 after Red Bull Racing sacked the Briton from his role as…

Ferrari Finally Opens Up About the Shocking and Unexpected Challenges Behind Their Struggles in Formula 1, Revealing the Complex Factors That Have Contributed to Their Ongoing Performance Issues, and What They Plan to Do to Overcome These Obstacles and Return to Their Former Glory in the F1 World.

Ferrari’s 2025 Formula 1 Season: The Road to Recovery The 2025 Formula 1 season has been a year of highs and lows for Scuderia Ferrari, with the…

The Surprising Impact of Christian Horner’s Red Bull Decision: Why George Russell May Lose the Most

The news that Red Bull Racing have parted ways with team principal Christian Horner took the Formula 1 world by surprise on Wednesday morning. Red Bull and Christian Horner are…