At 45, Venus Williams defied expectations and made a powerful comeback, winning 6-3, 6-4 over Peyton Stearns at the DC Open. This victory made her the second-oldest woman to win a tour-level singles match, just behind Martina Navratilova, who won at 47 in 2004.
A Victory Full of Determination
Venus Williams’ win wasn’t just about returning to the court. It was about proving that age doesn’t define an athlete’s ability. Despite self-doubt during her layoff, Williams showcased resilience. She hit her signature big serves and precise groundstrokes, thrilling the crowd at the tournament.
“Each week that I was training, I was, like, ‘Oh, my God, I don’t know if I’m good enough yet.’ Some weeks I’d leap forward, others, I’d think, ‘Oh God, it’s not happening.’ Even the week before, I thought, ‘I need to improve so much more.’ It’s all a head game,” she said after her first singles match in more than a year.
Williams hadn’t competed in a singles match since March 2024 at the Miami Open, after missing time for surgery to remove uterine fibroids. She was listed as “inactive” by the WTA until this week.
Health and Persistence as Key Factors
“I’m just constantly praying for good health, so I can play with good health,” Williams shared, stressing the importance of staying healthy. “A lot of this is about coming back to play at a level where I’m healthy.”
The crowd at the DC Open offered full support. Williams demonstrated moments of brilliance, reminiscent of her Grand Slam days. The seven-time Grand Slam singles champion and 14-time Grand Slam doubles champion proved she still has the skills that earned her these titles.
A Strong Performance Against Stearns
Peyton Stearns, a talented 23-year-old from the University of Texas, couldn’t keep up with Williams. Stearns, ranked 35th, fought hard, but Williams’ experience shone through. She hit powerful returns and fired off a 110 mph ace. In the second game, Williams sprinted to reach a drop shot and blasted a forehand winner.
Despite her dominance, Williams faced a few challenges. She was broken in the first game, but regained composure and finished strong. After six match points, Williams finally sealed the win with a 112 mph serve, which Stearns couldn’t return.
“I wanted to play a good match,” Williams said, adding, “and win the match.”
Looking Ahead: The Fight Continues
Williams now faces No. 5 seed Magdalena Frech in her next match. She’s aware that each match will be a fight but is ready for the challenge.
“It’s not easy. It won’t be easy. It’s not easy for anyone out here,” Williams said. “I know I’ll have to fight for every match. But I’m up for that.”
This victory is a powerful reminder to all athletes: with resilience, hard work, and determination, age is just a number. Venus Williams continues to challenge what’s possible in tennis.
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