Around 31 years ago, future tennis superstar Venus Williams made her professional debut at the Bank of the West Classic in Oakland, California.
Remarkably, Venus was only 14 years old, and went on to defeat former National Collegiate Athletic Association [NCAA] champion Shaun Stafford.
In the next round, Venus was a set and a break ahead of world number two Arantxa Sánchez Vicario. Young Venus was unable to maintain her momentum in the match, eventually losing in three sets.
However, Venus had already made her mark on the tennis world. Her quality at such a young age was a marvel, especially when considering her level against the second-best player on the WTA Tour.
31 OCT 1994: VENUS WILLIAMS, 14, OF THE USA IN ACTION TONIGHT DURING HER PROFESSIONAL DEBUT AT THE BANK OF THE WEST CLASSIC IN OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA. WILLIAMS PLAYED SHAUN STAFFORD OF THE USA, RANKED #59 IN THE WORLD. Mandatory Credit: Al Bello/ALLSPORT
After her match against Stafford, a 14-year-old Venus described her immediate feelings.
Venus Williams was a ‘little surprised’ by her lack of nerves
After defeating Stafford in California, 14-year-old Venus spoke to the media at a press conference.
During the press conference, Venus remarked on her cool composure on court, despite the enormity of the occasion.
Venus said: “I was somewhat surprised and somewhat not surprised.
“I guess since I haven’t played a tournament, a professional tournament, I was a little surprised at how I wasn’t nervous at all, getting excited or jumpy, you know, yelling and screaming [laughing].
2 NOV 1994: VENUS WILLIMS, 14, HUGS HER FATHER, RICHARD, AFTER COMPLETING HER TOUR DEBUT IN THE BANK OF THE WEST CLASSIC IN OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA. WILLIAMS LOST TO TOP SEEDED ANRANTXA SANCHEZ-VICARIO, 2-6, 6-3, 6-0. Mandatory Credit: Al Bello/ALLSPORT
“But I wasn’t surprised because I know I can play and that no one’s going to stop me.”
Venus has gone on to win 23 Grand Slam titles across singles, doubles and mixed doubles formats; including five Wimbledon Ladies Singles titles. The American star has also won five Olympic gold medals.
Pam Shriver was impressed by Venus Williams after her first professional match
Pam Shriver, who won 133 WTA Tour-level titles during her wildly successful career, weighed in on 14-year-old Venus shortly after the youngster’s performance.
Speaking to American broadcaster CNN, Shriver said: “I was impressed for her first match.
“Sure there’s some green parts to her for sure, but at 14 what do you want? You’re not going to get a polished athlete.”
Shriver later added: “I think Venus showed a lot tonight, but we shouldn’t rush her and just take our time and let’s hope in the next three, four years that she develops into the player… that she can play for the next 15 years and be a top player.”
Now 45 years old, the American star recently made her return to the tour at the Washington Open, winning both a singles and doubles match at the tournament.
Venus also recently competed in the Cincinnati Open, losing in the first round to Jessica Bouzas Maneiro.