Flashback: Venus' Olympics to remember at 2000 Sydney Games

By Jordaan SanfordPublished September 28, 2019

Venus Williams captured her first ever gold medal at the Olympic Games in Sydney 19 years ago.

#OnThisDay in 2000, @Venuseswilliams won gold in the singles competition at the @Olympics in Sydney 🙌

Do you remember where you watched Venus win her 🥇 medal?#FlashbackFriday pic.twitter.com/EwqdpW1lT9
— ITF (@ITFTennis) September 27, 2019

After claiming a three-set battle against countrywoman Monica Seles, Venus faced Elena Dementieva in the gold medal match on September 27, 2000. Venus dominated with a 6-2, 6-4 score to earn her first Olympic gold medal.

27 Sep 2000: Venus Williams of the USA wins gold in the Womens Tennis Singles beating silver medallist Elena Dementieva of Russia and bronze winner Monica Seles of the USA at The NSW Tennis Centre on Day 12 of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia. \ Mandatory Credit: Clive Brunskill /Allsport — © Getty Images

At the same time, Venus was also storming through the doubles draw with her sister Serena. The next day, the Americans dismissed Kristie Boogert and Miriam Oremans of the Netherlands to clinch their first of three gold medals together (2008 Beijing and 2012 London).

Venus became the first woman to win the singles and doubles at the same Olympics since Helen Wills Moody in 1924. Serena joined the club 12 years later in London.

28 Sep 2000: Venus and Serena Williams of the USA celebrate gold after winning the Womens Doubles Tennis Final at the NSW Tennis Centre on Day 13 of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games in Sydney, Australia. \ Mandatory Credit: Gary M Prior/Allsport — © Getty Images

At 39, Venus' next goal is to play in the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. She already has the most Olympic medals for a tennis player, female or male, but the seven-time Grand Slam singles champion could become the oldest tennis player in history to stand on top of the podium.

Venus is in Beijing preparing for the China Open.