Venus Williams Makes Historic WTA Comeback at 45 in Washington

Venus Williams, at age 45, made a remarkable comeback to the WTA Tour by defeating 23-year-old Peyton Stearns in straight sets at the DC Open, becoming the second-oldest woman to win a tour-level singles match since Martina Navratilova in 2004. This victory comes after a 16-month break and surgery for uterine fibroids, with Williams openly discussing the mental and physical challenges she faced during her recovery. Her return has been celebrated widely, with Coco Gauff and Billie Jean King publicly praising her achievement and resilience. Williams' powerful serve and athleticism have reignited debates about aging in sports, especially as some fans note her serve now rivals or surpasses that of younger stars like Gauff. Beyond the court, Venus continues to influence tennis fashion, crediting herself and her sister Serena for paving the way and expressing admiration for the new generation, including Gauff, for their bold self-expression. Williams' legacy endures not just in her on-court achievements but also in her role as an inspiration and mentor to rising stars.