Venus Williams returns to tennis with wins at age 45

Venus Williams is healthy again and still winning matches at 45 years old.

Venus Williams wins first singles match in 16 months at age 45

Venus Williams returned to professional tennis this week after a 16-month hiatus, successfully competing in both singles and doubles at the Mubadala Citi DC Open. The seven-time Grand Slam champion achieved a remarkable upset against world No. 35 Peyton Stearns, winning 6-3, 6-4. Williams, at 45 years old, not only marked her return with victories but also made history as the oldest woman to win a tour-level match since Martina Navratilova in 2004. After a long period of inactivity due to health struggles, Williams expressed relief and joy about returning to the court, highlighting the contrast to her previous year when she was preparing for surgery. She will face tougher opponents in the upcoming rounds, including No. 5 seed Magdalena Fręch and top doubles seeds Taylor Townsend and Zhang Shuai.

Williams' resurgence at such an age showcases her enduring talent and resilience. At 45, she challenges the age barriers often associated with professional athletics, signaling a shift in perceptions about older athletes. Her wins not only bring excitement to her fans but also challenge younger competitors to elevate their games. The implications of her performance extend beyond her career, inspiring discussions about longevity in sports. As the tennis community celebrates her achievements, it is crucial to monitor how this play impacts her health moving forward, especially in a demanding tournament schedule.

Highlights

Her return could reshape narratives about age in sports.