At the age of 45, Venus Williams made her return to Grand Slam action at the US Open, her home tournament, earning a warm ovation from the crowd. It marked an emotional moment for tennis fans, as it marked 27 years since her first final appearance at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
In a poignant moment, Venus stepped out onto the court for her first Grand Slam match in two years, facing 13th seed Karolina Muchova. The match was more than just a tennis contest-it was a testament to Venus’s resilience and enduring passion for the sport.
But there was something missing for the veteran, which meant it wouldn’t be a perfect moment: her sister Serena wasn’t present in the crowd.
“I keep saying to my team: The only thing that would make this better is if she was here,” Venus remarked, referring to her sister Serena’s absence. “We always did everything together, so of course I miss her.”
A familiar face attends
While Serena Williams, who retired in 2022, was not present to support her sister, the stands were not without familiar faces.
Former rival Maria Sharapova was spotted cheering on Venus, a gesture that caught the attention of fans and commentators alike.
This unexpected show of support from Sharapova is noteworthy, especially considering the intense rivalry that once defined her matches with Serena.
Their competitive history was marked by numerous high-stakes encounters, but over time, mutual respect blossomed into a friendship.
In August 2025, Serena Williams had the honor of inducting Sharapova into the International Tennis Hall of Fame, describing her as a “forever friend” and acknowledging their shared journey in the sport.
At 45, Venus Williams was the oldest singles player at the US Open since 1981. Despite her opponent’s victory, the crowd’s warm reception underscored the significance of her return.
Venus’s journey back to competitive tennis was not without challenges. She had taken a 16-month hiatus due to health issues, including Sjögren’s syndrome and recovery from uterine fibroid surgery.
Her determination to return to the sport she loves was evident as she dedicated herself to training, even foregoing social engagements to focus on her comeback.
“This means more to me than any result,” Venus shared, emphasizing the emotional weight of her return to the Grand Slam stage.
A new era of tennis alliances?
Venus’ performance, though culminating in a 3-6, 6-2, 1-6 loss, was a testament to her enduring skill and passion for the game. The Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd’s standing ovation was a fitting tribute to her legacy and resilience.
Maria Sharapova’s presence in the stands, supporting Venus Williams, raises intriguing questions about the evolving dynamics in the tennis world.
Once fierce competitors, Serena and Sharapova have transitioned from rivals to friends, and now, Sharapova’s support for Venus suggests a broader shift towards camaraderie among former adversaries.
This unexpected alliance highlights the respect and admiration that transcends competition, reflecting a more unified tennis community. As the sport continues to evolve, such gestures may become more common, fostering an environment where mutual support and friendship take precedence over past rivalries.
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