Venus Williams made her long-awaited return to the US Open on Tuesday, competing in the tournament’s new-look mixed doubles event.
At 45 years old, the American icon partnered with fellow countryman Reilly Opelka but fell just short in a spirited effort, losing 2-4, 5-4 (4) to the formidable pairing of Andrey Rublev and Karolina Muchova.
For Williams, it was her first appearance at Flushing Meadows since 2023, marking another chapter in her remarkable comeback. Earlier this summer, she re-entered the professional circuit after more than a year away, beginning at the Citi Open in Washington, D.C.
While her return was greeted with widespread excitement, it was Tuesday’s match in New York that brought one of tennis’ most enduring stars back to the stage she has graced for nearly three decades.
The Louis Armstrong Stadium crowd welcomed Williams and Opelka with thunderous applause, eager to see flashes of the dominance that has earned her seven Grand Slam singles titles and cemented her as one of the sport’s greats.
Flashes of brilliance despite defeat
The opening set was a challenge for the American duo, as Rublev and Muchova quickly seized control.
Williams, who was broken early, found herself under pressure against the heavy groundstrokes of the men’s world No. 15. However, the second set told a different story.
Williams battled through break points at both 1-1 and 3-3, thrilling the crowd when she ripped an ace past Rublev to force deuce. She then followed with a strong service game against Muchova, setting up Opelka, towering at 6-foot-11, for a clinical smash at the net.
The Americans fought bravely in the tiebreak, riding Opelka’s powerful serve to grab a slim lead. But at 4-4, Williams netted a volley, shifting momentum to their opponents.
Rublev and Muchova capitalized on the error, closing out the match and moving on to face Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori in the quarterfinals.
Despite the loss, Williams’ competitive spirit and flashes of brilliance reminded fans of her pedigree.
Looking ahead to singles
Beyond doubles, Williams is set to enter the singles draw after receiving a wild card, becoming the oldest singles participant at the US Open since 1981.
While recent results have been mixed, a first-round exit at the Cincinnati Open contrasted with a strong win over Peyton Stearns in Washington, her presence alone underscores her remarkable longevity.
The revamped mixed doubles format itself has attracted significant star power this year, including Carlos Alcaraz, Taylor Fritz, and Emma Raducanu.
Still, the event has also suffered from withdrawals, with Jannik Sinner pulling out just hours before his scheduled match on Tuesday.
For Williams, however, the focus remains on competing at the highest level. Though victory eluded her in mixed doubles, her return to Flushing Meadows was a celebration of resilience, experience, and the enduring connection she shares with New York crowds.
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