Venus Williams makes stunning US Open return at age 45

In New York, Venus Williams made her highly anticipated return to Grand Slam tennis at the U.S. Open after a two-year hiatus. This extraordinary comeback came as she faced the 11th seed Karolina Muchova in Arthur Ashe Stadium on August 25, 2025. Williams, now 45 years old, is the oldest player to compete in singles at this prestigious hard-court tournament since Renee Richards in 1981. Having been away from the singles circuit due to injury and surgery for uterine fibroids, Williams's appearance has sparked a mix of excitement and controversy. While some people criticized the U.S. Tennis Association for awarding her a wild card, others like Andy Roddick hailed it as a generous gift to the sport. Before this event, Williams had been on a lengthy break from competitive tennis, marked by a 16-month absence from the tour. Her last significant involvement in tennis was at the Miami Open in March 2024, where she had undergone surgery and had faced challenges in regaining her fitness and form. Recently, the tennis icon played her first matches in Washington, exhibiting glimpses of her classic playing style, winning a match in both singles and doubles. However, going into the U.S. Open, she had not won a singles match at this Grand Slam since 2019, which adds a layer of pressure as expectations around her return mount. Despite the challenges ahead, Venus expressed a keen desire to perform at her best. She acknowledged the need to adapt to the competitive landscape after being away for so long. "I want to be my best, and that’s the expectation I have for myself: to get the best out of me," she stated just before starting her singles campaign at the U.S. Open. The broader context of her participation includes the rich history Williams has at the U.S. Open, where she clinched two of her seven Grand Slam singles championships in 2000 and 2001, marking a dominant phase of her career. As Williams faces Muchova, the tournament's atmosphere is electric, with heightened TV ratings expected from viewers eager to witness her remarkable comeback. The mixed feelings from the public reflect the complex nature of sporting comebacks, especially in an environment sensitive to issues of age and performance. Whether she is met with cheers or skepticism, Williams’s aim is clear: to rediscover her competitive spirit and showcase her skills one more time at a tournament she once dominated. This U.S. Open could serve not only as a comeback but as a statement of resilience, determination, and love for the sport, as the tennis world watches on.