When Venus Williams walked onto the court at the 2025 Citi Open, the tennis world was watching with a mix of nostalgia and disbelief. After more than a year away from competitive play, Williams-now 45-delivered a performance that reignited the debate about longevity in elite sports.
For Williams, though, her comeback was not about public perception or proving doubters wrong, but simply about the love she continues to feel for the game.
“It’s just nice to be able to play. Where I am at this year is so much different from where I was last year,” Williams reflected before the match, alluding to the physical and emotional hurdles that have defined her journey.
Over three decades, she has faced everything from Sjogren’s syndrome, an autoimmune disease that drains her energy, to fibroid complications that once required surgery. Yet, each setback seemed only to fuel her determination.
Venus Williams’ mindset and record-breaking return
Williams’ return was nothing short of remarkable. She overcame Peyton Stearns in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4, marking her as the oldest player since Kimiko Date to compete in a tour-level singles match. Her press conference after the win was a masterclass in resilience. “There are no limits for excellence. It’s all about what’s in your head and how much you’re able to put into it. If you put in the work mentally, physically, and emotionally, then you can have the result,” she explained.
Venus was quick to dismiss the idea that her victories are aimed at silencing critics. “No, because I’m not here for anyone else except for me. I have nothing to prove. Zip. Zero. I’m here for me because I want to be here. And proving anyone wrong or thinking about anyone has never gotten me a win and has never gotten me a loss,” she said, emphasizing her personal motivation.
Her serving statistics told the story of a champion still very much in control of her game, winning 71% of her first-serve points and excelling on second-serve returns.
The tennis world reacts to Venus’ remarkable performance
Williams’ remarkable comeback drew praise from all corners of the tennis community. Her fiancé, Andrea Preti, has played a key role in supporting her through the ups and downs of her long career, and Williams herself highlighted his encouragement as invaluable. With this win, she became the second-oldest woman to win a tour-level singles match, following Martina Navratilova.
Navratilova, who admitted to feeling uneasy when Williams accepted the wildcard into the draw, offered nothing but admiration after witnessing the victory. “What can you say – because it’s unbelievable. She beat a top-ranked [No. 35] player. I mean, hats off,” Navratilova commented.
Even Williams’ opponent Peyton Stearns expressed her surprise at the veteran’s movement and intensity, noting, “Her serves were just on fire.” Meanwhile, Naomi Osaka called her “My queen” on social media, and Billie Jean King praised her as “a champion,” wishing her continued success.
From Taylor Townsend to Frances Tiafoe and even childhood coach Rick Macci, tributes poured in, each reflecting the awe Venus Williams inspires in athletes and fans alike.
After 31 years on tour, Williams has once again shown she is capable of rewriting the script-at any age.
As she continues her campaign, the tennis world will be watching, eager to see just how far she can go.
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