sevendayweekender – Venus Williams made a triumphant return to singles competition at the Washington Open, securing a milestone win at age 45. The former world number one defeated 22-year-old American Peyton Stearns 6-3, 6-4 in the first round. This win makes Williams the second oldest woman to win a WTA Tour-level singles match, behind only Martina Navratilova, who won at 47 in 2004.
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Williams had not played since March 2024 and entered the tournament via a wildcard. Her performance silenced doubts about her readiness. Despite a 16-month singles gap and being listed as “inactive” by the WTA, Williams proved her skill remains elite. She last won a singles match in August 2023 and had since been recovering from injuries and time away from the court.
Stearns, currently ranked 35th in the world, was born in 2001—after Williams had already won four Grand Slam titles. The match showcased Williams’ control, sharp movement, and powerful serves. “She played some ball tonight,” Stearns said after the match. “She was moving really well, which I wasn’t expecting too much, honestly. Her serves were just on fire.”
Williams, a seven-time Grand Slam singles champion, responded to questions about proving critics wrong by saying, “I have nothing to prove. Zip. Zero. I’m here for me because I want to be here.” Her clear focus on personal motivation stood out as a driving force behind the comeback.
Doubles Win Highlights Full Return as Williams Eyes Next Challenge
Williams had already hinted at her form by winning a doubles match a day earlier. Teaming up with fellow American Hailey Baptiste, the duo defeated Eugenie Bouchard and Clervie Ngounoue 6-3, 6-1 in the round of 16. The win marked a full-circle return to competition in both singles and doubles for the veteran star.
Throughout her long career, Williams has collected 14 Grand Slam doubles titles with her sister Serena, alongside her singles triumphs. Her experience and resilience continue to inspire both fans and younger players. Despite stepping away from competition for over a year, her court presence and competitive fire remain strong.
Now, Williams will face fifth seed Magdalena Frech of Poland in the second round. Frech, ranked in the WTA’s top 50, poses a different challenge, but Williams’ latest performance suggests she is ready. Her return is not about retirement tours or nostalgia; it’s about competing at the highest level—on her own terms.
Williams’ historic win is more than a statistical achievement. It reflects her enduring passion and commitment to the sport. As the tennis world watches closely, she reminds everyone that age does not define capability. With her next match approaching, all eyes remain on the legendary champion’s ongoing story.
