Venus Williams Makes History at DC Open, Becomes Second-Oldest Woman to Win a Tour-Level Singles Match

At the DC Open on Tuesday night, tennis icon Venus Williams wowed the audience by defeating American Peyton Stearns, 23, 6-3, 6-4 in straight sets, solidifying her place in history once more. At 45, Williams is now the second-oldest woman to win a singles match at the tour level, after Martina Navratilova, who did so in 2004 aged 47.

Triumphant Resumption Following Surgery and Termination

Williams hasn't won a singles match in almost two years, and this triumph is her first since August 2023 in Cincinnati. Numerous people questioned whether she would resume her competitive form when she was declared "inactive" on the WTA tour following surgery to remove uterine fibroids in 2024. On Tuesday, she gave a decisive response.

When the former World No. 1 onto the court for her first singles match since March 2024, she showed no signs of giving up. With the entire Washington, D.C. audience cheering her on, Venus got off to a fast start, smashing Stearns with a return winner in the opening game and launching herself forward with her signature aggressive approach.

Old Venus on Show

With strong groundstrokes, piercing volleys, and aces that reached speeds of over 110 mph, Williams wowed. Her last serve of the evening, a forceful 112 mph rocket, forced Stearns to make a mistake and sealed the historic victory. Despite a few shaky moments, including as an early break at love and missed match points, Venus maintained her composure and celebrated with a dazzling smile and her trademark pirouette.

The next challenge is Magdalena Frech, who is the fifth seed from Poland and will play Williams in the second round. According to her most recent performance, she is prepared to compete at the greatest level once more rather than merely making a nostalgic comeback.

Osaka Looms vs. Raducanu: WTA Highlights

In another match in the women's draw, Emma Raducanu defeated Marta Kostyuk 7-6(4), 6-4 to progress. Given that Osaka defeated Yulia Putintseva 6-2, 7-5, she will now face Osaka in a much-anticipated second-round match.

Men's Updates and Outcomes

• In the singles draw for men:
• Lorenzo Musetti, the No. 2 seed, was defeated by Cam Norrie.
• Ben Shelton went on to the next phase.
• Due to a back ailment, Holger Rune, the third seed, withdrew.

A Champion’s Spirit Lives On

With her milestone win, Venus Williams continues to inspire across generations, proving that resilience, skill, and love for the game can defy time. As she eyes further success in the tournament, fans around the world will be watching to see what the tennis icon does next.