Venus Williams triumphs in comeback match at age 45

In a remarkable comeback in Washington, D.C., Venus Williams achieved a significant milestone by winning her first singles match at 45 years old since August 2023. Competing in the DC Open, Williams defeated fellow American Peyton Stearns, who is 22 years her junior, with a score of 6-3, 6-4. This victory marks her first singles match since March 2024 when she lost against Diana Shnaider. Williams had been inactive for 16 months, recovering from surgery and various injuries, raising questions about her return to professional tennis. Williams' return received overwhelming support from the crowd, which seemed eager to witness her performance. The match showcased her trademark powerful serves and groundstrokes, reminiscent of her former glory as a seven-time Grand Slam champion. Notably, she has also played doubles matches but had not won a singles match since 2023. The atmosphere around the tournament reflected admiration from fellow players and fans alike, emphasizing her historic contributions to tennis. During the match, she displayed resilience and skill, even after struggling at times, such as being broken early in the first set. The victory not only boosted her confidence but also ignited discussions about age and performance in competitive sports. Critics and fans were both surprised and encouraged by her ability to return at such a high level after a significant absence from the singles circuit. After the match, Venus Williams reflected on her journey and expressed gratitude for the support of her fans, friends, and fiancé. She emphasized the mental challenges of returning after a long break and the need for determination and hard work. Williams prepares to face world No. 24 Magdalena Frech in the next round, demonstrating her intention to keep pushing forward in her career despite any hurdles ahead.