Venus Williams Makes Pain-Free U.S. Open Return At 45

Venus Williams made a highly emotional and spirited return to the U.S. Open at age 45, marking her 25th main draw appearance and extending her own record. After a 16-month hiatus caused by surgery for uterine fibroids, she pushed 11th-seeded Karolina Muchova to three sets before losing 6-3, 2-6, 6-1. Despite the loss, Williams expressed joy in playing pain-free and emphasized that returning to the court was about regaining health and freedom from mental barriers. The crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium gave her a standing ovation, reflecting the deep admiration for her career, which includes seven Grand Slam singles titles and five Olympic gold medals. Williams stated that her love for tennis remains strong and she plans to continue playing as long as possible, describing the experience as "super thrilling" and never getting old but only more exciting. Her legacy as an iconic athlete and her perseverance through challenges continue to inspire fans and fellow players alike.