Venus Williams Shines in Triumphant Return to Tennis at Age 45
It’s not every day you witness a legend step back onto the court and remind the world what greatness looks like. But that's exactly what Venus Williams did this week at the Washington Open. At 45 years old, after a 16-month break from the sport, Venus returned with the kind of fire and poise that only a champion can carry. And not only did she return—she won.
Let’s talk about this moment. Venus, a seven-time Grand Slam champion and former world number one, hadn’t competed since March 2024 at the Miami Open. Her last victory? Way back in August 2023 in Cincinnati. Since then, she had surgery to remove uterine fibroids, and many assumed she might quietly retire. But Venus isn't one to walk away silently. Instead, she accepted a wildcard into the Citi DC Open, and what followed was pure inspiration.
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Teaming up with fellow American Hailey Baptiste for doubles, Venus took the court like she'd never left. The pair defeated Eugenie Bouchard and Clervie Ngounoue with a convincing 6-3, 6-1 win. The chemistry between them was instant, with Venus even joking afterward that perhaps she should have teamed up with Baptiste years ago instead of her sister Serena. That light-hearted comment was delivered with a smile, but behind it was a deep appreciation for the game and the moment.
And then came the real headline—the singles match. Facing 23-year-old Peyton Stearns, Venus showed the world she still has it. Big serves. Powerful groundstrokes. Relentless movement. She won the match 6-3, 6-4, becoming the second-oldest woman in history—behind only Martina Navratilova—to win a tour-level singles match. At one point, she fired a 112 mph serve to seal the match, earning a thunderous ovation from a packed stadium that came to see her, to support her, and to witness history.
This wasn't just about athletic ability. It was about resilience, love for the sport, and proving that age is just a number. Venus, who was once listed as "inactive" on the WTA Tour, turned that label upside down. She’s not just active—she’s dangerous, focused, and clearly enjoying herself.
What stood out most was her attitude. When asked about her goals, she said she wasn’t putting pressure on herself—she just wanted to have fun and see what she could still bring to the court. That perspective, that passion, is what made this return so powerful.
No one knows how long Venus will continue to compete. But for now, she’s back, she’s winning, and she’s once again reminding us why she's one of the greatest to ever do it. If this week has shown us anything, it’s that legends don’t fade—they rise, again and again.
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