Did Venus Williams Really Win in Washington After a 16-Month Hiatus?
Click to start listening
Synopsis
Venus Williams has made a stunning return to professional tennis by winning her first match in 16 months at the DC Open. Partnering with Hailey Baptiste, they triumphed over fellow doubles wild cards in a remarkable comeback. Discover how the 45-year-old champion aims for more success in her upcoming matches.
Key Takeaways
- Venus Williams returns triumphantly after a 16-month absence.
- She teamed up with Hailey Baptiste for a successful doubles match.
- The duo overcame a challenging start to win decisively.
- Venus aims to make history in singles against Peyton Stearns.
- Her resilience continues to inspire fans and players alike.
Washington, July 22 (NationPress) Seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams celebrated her triumphant return to professional tennis after a 16-month hiatus. Partnering with Hailey Baptiste, they overcame fellow wildcard entrants Eugenie Bouchard and Clervie Ngounoue in the opening round of the DC Open.
It was a remarkable comeback as they were down 3-1 and facing a break point, but Venus and Baptiste turned the match around by winning 11 out of the last 12 games. This marks Venus' second participation at this D.C. tournament, having faced a first-round exit last year.
The 45-year-old former world number one, who received a wildcard entry for the event, last played competitively at the Miami Open in March 2024 and last celebrated a victory at the Cincinnati Open in August 2023.
“It was inspiring to be out here. I love this game and still hitting it big. From the very first point, I sensed we could be a strong team. Perhaps we should have started playing together earlier,” Venus shared with Sky Sports, humorously adding, “I think Serena was just in the way.”
Without a current ranking, Venus has amassed 14 major titles in women's doubles alongside her sister Serena, showcasing their dominance in the sport.
Next, Venus will compete against fellow American Peyton Stearns in the singles first round on Tuesday. As a wildcard in her inaugural singles match, she will be the oldest player in a WTA Tour-level main draw since Kimiko Date (then 46) competed seven years ago in Tokyo.
A win against Stearns, currently ranked No. 35, would make Williams the oldest player to achieve this since Martina Navratilova (then 47) did so at Wimbledon in 2004.
On the men's side, Britain's Dan Evans and Cameron Norrie advanced to the second round in Washington. Evans, who secured the Washington title in 2023, triumphed over Zizou Bergs with a score of 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 and will next face 13th-seeded American Alex Michelsen. Meanwhile, Norrie defeated British qualifier Billy Harris 6-3, 7-6 (7-4) and is set to face second seed Lorenzo Musetti of Italy in the next round.
Point of View
We recognize the significance of Venus Williams' remarkable comeback to competitive tennis. Her victory not only inspires fans but also highlights the enduring legacy of the Williams sisters in the sport. With her experience and passion, Venus continues to set benchmarks for athletes of all ages.
NationPress
22/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How long was Venus Williams away from professional tennis?
Venus Williams was away from professional tennis for 16 months before her recent match at the DC Open.
Who did Venus Williams partner with in the DC Open?
Venus Williams partnered with Hailey Baptiste in her doubles match at the DC Open.
What was the outcome of Venus Williams' first match back?
Venus Williams and Hailey Baptiste won their first match against Eugenie Bouchard and Clervie Ngounoue.
What is Venus Williams' next challenge in the tournament?
Venus Williams will compete against Peyton Stearns in the first round of the singles competition.
What record could Venus Williams set if she wins her next match?
If Venus wins against Peyton Stearns, she would become the oldest player to win a WTA Tour main draw match since Martina Navratilova.
