Did Venus Williams Just Become the Second-Oldest Woman to Win a Tour-Level Singles Match?
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Synopsis
In a stunning return to the court, Venus Williams, at 45, has made headlines by becoming the second-oldest woman to win a tour-level singles match. After 16 months away from the game, her victory over Peyton Stearns at the DC Open showcases her enduring talent and determination. Can she continue this momentum in the upcoming rounds?
Key Takeaways
- Venus Williams won her first singles match in 16 months.
- She defeated Peyton Stearns with a score of 6-3, 6-4.
- At 45, she is the oldest player to win a tour-level singles match since Martina Navratilova.
- Venus will compete against Magdalena Frech in the next round.
- This victory highlights her resilience and talent in women's tennis.
Washington, July 23 (NationPress) In her first singles match after a 16-month hiatus, former World No. 1 Venus Williams triumphed over World No. 35 Peyton Stearns with a score of 6-3, 6-4 during the first round of the DC Open women's singles on Wednesday (IST).
The 45-year-old Venus has now become the oldest athlete to secure a tour-level singles victory since Martina Navratilova, who was 47 at the time, defeated Catalina Castano at Wimbledon back in 2004—more than 21 years ago.
"This marks the initial step, and the first match is always incredibly challenging. It's hard to articulate how tough it is to return to the court after a lengthy absence. I was confident in my ability to win, but the key is actually achieving it. Therefore, this result is fantastic, as I played well and came out victorious. I’m surrounded by friends, family, and beloved fans, making this a truly wonderful evening," Venus expressed after her match.
As a seven-time Grand Slam singles champion, Venus was already noted as the oldest player to compete in a tour-level singles match since Kimiko Date at age 46 lost her first-round match in Tokyo in 2017. Notably, this victory marks her first singles win since defeating then-World No. 16 Veronika Kudermetova at the 2023 Cincinnati tournament—indicating that her last two wins have come against Top 35 players, nearly two years apart, according to WTA reports.
In the next round, Venus is set to face another Top 35 opponent, her first-ever encounter against World No. 24 Magdalena Frech from Poland, who recently secured a victory over qualifier Yuliia Starodubtseva with a score of 6-2, 6-4 in her first-round match on Monday.
Previously, Venus celebrated a comeback in her first professional tennis match in 16 months, teaming up with Hailey Baptiste to defeat fellow wild cards Eugenie Bouchard and Clervie Ngounoue in the women's doubles first round at the DC Open on Tuesday (IST).
Point of View
I recognize Venus Williams' remarkable achievement as a testament to her skill and resilience. Her return to competitive tennis at 45 not only inspires her fans but also highlights the depth of talent in women's sports. At NationPress, we celebrate such milestones that reflect the spirit of perseverance and dedication in athletes.
NationPress
23/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is Venus Williams?
Venus Williams is currently 45 years old.
Who did Venus Williams defeat in her comeback match?
Venus Williams defeated World No. 35 Peyton Stearns.
When was Venus's last singles match before this victory?
Venus's last singles match was 16 months ago.
What is Venus Williams's grand slam count?
Venus Williams has won seven Grand Slam singles titles.
Who will Venus face in the next round?
Venus will face World No. 24 Magdalena Frech in the next round.
