Venus Williams missed out on becoming the first tennis player to win five Olympic gold medals when she and partner Rajeev Ram were defeated in the Rio mixed doubles final.

Fellow Americans Bethanie Mattek-Sands and Jack Sock downed Williams and Ram 6—7 (3/7), 6—1, 10—7 to grab the gold.

Venus won the singles gold at Sydney in 2000 and the doubles titles with sister Serena in 2000, 2008 and 2012. She and 32-year-old Ram had never played together before Rio.

“You always go into a match trying to win it and you never know if you are going to be able to cross that line,” said 36-year-old Venus who had to be content with a record-equalling fifth medal in total.

“So I really feel just excited that we played really well the whole tournament. I’m excited that we had chances and put ourselves in a position to win that match and you can’t ask for more.”

The silver medal made up for a disappointing Games for the Williams sisters.

They lost in the first round of the doubles, while Venus was also dumped at the first hurdle in the singles.

Defending singles champion Serena was defeated in the third round.

Ram was a late call-up to the US squad after 2012 men’s doubles champions Bob and Mike Bryan pulled out for health reasons.

Published on August 15, 2016