Venus Williams’ inspiring return to competitive tennis continued at the WTA 500 tournament in Washington, where the 45-year-old made headlines for more than just her performance. Despite exiting in the second round, the veteran star showed determination, resilience, and a love for the sport that continues to define her remarkable career.
Returning to the court after a lengthy break of over a year, Williams made history by becoming the oldest woman since 2004 to win a WTA Tour singles match. Her opening-round victory over compatriot Peyton Stearns was a statement that age is just a number for the seven-time Grand Slam champion.
However, her run came to an end against 27-year-old Magdalena Frech, ranked 24th in the world. Williams initially started strong, taking a 2-1 lead, but Frech found her rhythm and dominated the rest of the match to secure a 6-2, 6-2 win. The Polish player praised Williams after the match, describing her as a superstar and a goddess of the sport, and admitted it was emotional facing such a tennis icon.
Williams, while disappointed with the result, remained upbeat and reflective. She admitted that she “ran out of gas” during the match and struggled to find the necessary energy to keep up with her younger opponent. Still, she took plenty of positives from the tournament, saying it was a fun experience and a valuable learning opportunity.
Having played in both singles and doubles in Washington, Williams emphasized how important the support from fans was to her. She noted the warmth and enthusiasm of the Washington crowd, expressing gratitude for their energy during her comeback week.
Looking ahead, Williams is not done yet. She will skip the upcoming WTA 1000 tournament in Montreal but has accepted a wildcard for the main draw in Cincinnati, which begins on August 7. With clarity on what to improve and a renewed passion for the game, the former world number one is determined to make the most of her return to the tour.
Her experience, even in defeat, reinforces the notion that in both sport and life, one never stops learning. Williams’ story continues to inspire athletes of all ages and is a testament to perseverance, grit, and enduring love for tennis.
