After completing an ambitious stint of four matches in four days at the D.C. Open, amidst cheers and applause from a grateful crowd, Venus Williams made it clear her return to professional tennis was not a mere ceremonial appearance. Now aged 45, Williams resurfaced on the tour in Washington after a 16-month hiatus, marking her comeback with a victory both in singles and doubles โ a significant achievement since she had last won a match back in 2023. Holding seven Grand Slam singles titles, along with 14 in womenโs doubles with her sister Serena, and two more in mixed doubles, Williams was greeted with admiration from the audience and fellow athletes alike.
โIโm sorry to have come up short,โ Williams said candidly after her defeat to 24th-ranked Magdalena Frech, who triumphed 6-2, 6-2. โBut I know I can play better. And I know I will play better.โ Williams hinted at more to come, with the Cincinnati Open next on her itinerary in August. Thereโs also a possibility she might be seen competing at the U.S. Open later. She has requested a wild card entry, and the U.S. Tennis Association announced her intent to play in the tournamentโs mixed doubles alongside Reilly Opelka.
Through it all, the Washington event seemed to be a delightful encore for Williams. She relished the competitive spirit, the thrill of playing, and the admiration of devoted fans. โAll the media, all the fans โ everyone is for her,โ said Frech, acknowledging Williamsโ unparalleled status as a legend. Nevertheless, Williams emphasized her pursuit is not just for the spectacle; her goal is to win.
โThereโs a lot of learning here. I know exactly what I need to work on, where I can improve,โ Williams remarked. Still capable of delivering commanding serves โ some exceeding 110 mph โ she demonstrated her tenacity during her win against 35th-ranked Peyton Stearns, proving her ability to fiercely hit forehands and backhands remains intact. โShe played some ball tonight,โ Stearns commented appreciatively.
Reflecting at the end of her time in Washington, Williams discussed the insights gained from her effort to prepare, following a challenging last year due to surgery for uterine fibroids. Her words seemed to echo a note of caution to future opponents. โIโll reflect on this match and what could be better. Iโll ensure Iโm prime and ready,โ she articulated, signaling just how much information sheโs gleaned from the tournament. โI canโt wait to get back on the practice court,โ she enthused, highlighting the tremendous progress sheโs achieved. โWeโve made great strides, and I expect there will be more.โ