At 45 years old, Venus Williams once again lit up the US Open with a spirited performance, showing resilience and passion despite falling to Czech 11th seed Karolína Muchová in a thrilling three-set battle. The former champion pushed her opponent for over two hours before bowing out 6-3, 2-6, 6-1 in the first round.
The occasion carried a special significance for Williams. Exactly 28 years earlier, a 17-year-old Venus had made her US Open debut at Arthur Ashe Stadium, beginning a remarkable journey that would see her rise to tennis greatness. Returning to the same stage nearly three decades later, she proved that her love for the sport remains as strong as ever.
The match began with difficulties for Williams as her timing faltered and unforced errors crept in, allowing Muchová to seize early control. But the veteran soon found her rhythm, delivering powerful first serves, dictating play with aggressive groundstrokes, and charging forward to finish points at the net. The crowd roared in approval, backing a player they had once been hesitant to embrace in her prime.
Williams rolled back the years in the second set, producing flashes of the brilliance that defined her peak. Her serving power, fearless shot-making, and commitment to attacking tennis unsettled her opponent, and she leveled the contest with a dominant display. However, Muchová recovered in the decider, exploiting her opponent’s fading sharpness to secure the victory.
After the match, Williams reflected positively on her performance. She admitted that lack of recent match practice made it difficult to sustain her level but expressed gratitude for the progress she had made. “I love playing,” she said, emphasizing her joy at competing again.
Health has been a central part of Williams’ journey in recent years. She has spoken openly about her long battle with fibroids, which caused pain and discomfort throughout much of her career. Last year, she underwent surgery to remove them, a decision that allowed her to step back on court free from the pain that had once clouded her mind and her game.
Though unsure if she will continue competing beyond the US Open, Williams hinted she may consider events within the United States. Regardless of what comes next, her return reminded fans why she remains one of the sport’s most enduring figures.
