Venus Williams Loses First-Round US Open Comeback Match

Venus Williams, at 45 years old, made a valiant return to Grand Slam tennis at the 2025 US Open but was defeated in the first round by 11th seed Karolina Muchova in three sets. Williams, who returned to competitive play after a 16-month hiatus and was ranked 582nd globally, expressed pride in her performance and the overwhelming crowd support she received despite the loss. This match marked her record-extending 25th main draw appearance at the US Open, where she won titles in 2000 and 2001. Muchova, a two-time US Open semifinalist, acknowledged the emotional atmosphere and expressed respect for Williams, highlighting her enduring love for the sport. Spanish player Carlos Alcaraz also made headlines with a dominant straight-sets win, advancing to the second round and showcasing his continued pursuit of a second US Open title. Additionally, young rising star Mirra Andreeva made an impressive debut by defeating Alycia Parks decisively in the first round.