Venus Williams Stuns at D.C. Open with First Singles Win Since 2023 at 45

Venus Williams, the indomitable tennis icon, lit up the D.C. Open on Tuesday with a stunning first-round victory, marking her first singles win since 2023. At 45, she’s not just playing the game; she’s rewriting the record books, becoming the oldest woman to claim a singles match win since Martina Navratilova in 2004.

With a commanding 6-3, 6-4 triumph over American Peyton Stearns, Williams showed that time off—16 months, to be exact—hasn’t dulled her edge. "It’s not easy to come back after all that time," she admitted post-match, her signature smile beaming. "Peyton played so well, and I was just trying to slow myself down—we were going faster and faster." Her return wasn’t just a comeback; it was a statement of grit, especially after battling injuries and a long layoff.

Entering the tournament on a wild card, Williams didn’t just dip her toe back into competition—she dove in headfirst. She kicked off with a doubles win on Monday, followed by Tuesday’s singles masterclass. Now, she’s set to face No. 5 seed Magdalena Frech in the second round on Thursday, with a doubles match lined up for Wednesday. Talk about a packed schedule!

What’s fueling this resurgence? A nudge from her team and family, and—believe it or not—a quip about health insurance. But the bigger prize might be on the horizon: a potential mixed doubles spot at the U.S. Open alongside Reilly Opelka. One of 25 entries, they’re vying for just 16 slots at the Grand Slam.

Venus isn’t just back; she’s reminding us why she’s a legend. Her last singles victory was at the Cincinnati Open in 2023, and her last match was at the Miami Open in 2024. Yet, watching her dominate in D.C., it feels like she never left.