Tennis icon Venus Williams continues to defy the odds and inspire generations, as the 45-year-old made history by becoming the oldest player to win a WTA singles match since 2004, securing a straight-sets victory (6-3, 6-4) over world number 35 Peyton Stearns at the Washington Open on Tuesday.
The seven-time Grand Slam singles champion, returning to the singles court after a 16-month hiatus, showed flashes of her trademark aggression and competitive spirit to clinch her first singles victory since August 2023 in Cincinnati. The match marked a major milestone not just in her illustrious career, but also in the history of professional women’s tennis.
With this win, Williams became the oldest woman to win a WTA singles match since the legendary Martina Navratilova, who won at Wimbledon in 2004 at the age of 47.
A Fire Still Burning Bright
Speaking after the win, Venus Williams said she was thrilled with her performance and acknowledged the challenges of returning to top-level competition after such a long break. However, she emphasized that her passion for the game remains undiminished.
“I think I just attacked the whole time,” Williams said. “It’s all about finding the right balance between being aggressive and maintaining control. That’s what I focused on throughout the match.”
Reflecting on her motivations, Venus added:
“It feels the same because this is what I’ve always done. But back then, I needed to do it — it was my career. Now, I don’t have to be here, but I still have the same fire in my belly, the same hunger to compete and win. In some ways, I’m still working my way back into that natural rhythm. When you’re doing it every day, it comes easily. It doesn’t feel quite as natural now, but I’m hopeful I’ll find that groove again.”
The American veteran is set to face Poland’s fifth seed Magdalena Fręch in the next round — a test that she is both realistic and ready for.
“I think it was a big win for me today. It’s not easy, and it won’t be easy going forward — not for me, not for anyone in this draw,” she said. “But I’m prepared to fight for every match, and I’m excited to take on the challenge.”
Raducanu Defeats Kostyuk, Sets Up Blockbuster Clash with Osaka
Also making headlines at the Washington Open was Emma Raducanu, the 2021 U.S. Open champion, who put in a composed and confident performance to defeat Ukrainian seventh seed Marta Kostyuk 7-6(4), 6-4 in her opening round.
The 22-year-old Briton looked sharp in the tiebreak and sealed the match in straight sets, showing signs of regaining her form after a series of injury-plagued seasons.
Raducanu’s next challenge will be a highly anticipated face-off with four-time Grand Slam winner Naomi Osaka, setting the stage for a clash of modern-era stars.
“I think it’s a great match for a lot of spectators — and I’m excited to be part of that,” Raducanu told reporters. “She’s been playing really solid tennis this year, and it will be a real test of where I stand, both in terms of my game and my mental resilience.”