Venus Williams is back. At the age of age 45, the legendary American returned to the US Open, capturing the admiration of fans and the media alike.
After stepping away from the WTA Tour for over a year, Williams earned a wildcard entry into the 2025 US Open singles main draw, becoming the oldest singles competitor since 1981. Her comeback quickly became one of the most compelling storylines in New York this year.
Her return to Grand Slam tennis follows a stirring re-entry at the DC Open, where she defeated 23-year-old Peyton Stearns, becoming the oldest woman to win a WTA Tour-level singles match since Martina Navratilova in 2004.
Williams followed that up with another spirited performance at Cincinnati, underscoring that her competitive fire is very much alive. This resurgence was enough to move organizers and fans to back her as she steps back onto the sport’s biggest stages.
Age is a just a number for Venus
Williams’ return resonated with fans around the tournament. During mixed doubles, she and her partner Reilly Opelka battled hard in their opener, even trading points that evoked sheer admiration from the crowd. One fan joyfully commented under her Instagram post: “I was so happy to finally see you play.”
To most, Venus Williams’ long-awaited return is both inspirational and pragmatic. Having revealed that she came back “for the insurance,” Williams shed light on the all-too-real challenges that athletes face with healthcare coverage, especially under COBRA-an issue that drove her decision to resume competition.
She said with characteristically candid humor, “I had to come back for the insurance, […] I got to get my benefits on.”
Despite earning millions over her career, Williams emphasized the necessity of maintaining coverage while managing ongoing medical care. Not only does her story underscore the personal hurdles veterans can face, it also illustrates how foundational support systems can shape even the game’s greatest stars’ decisions.
An exciting US Open awaits
The 2025 US Open is already rich with drama-from stars like Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff to emerging talents-but Venus’ presence adds a uniquely emotional layer to the spectacle.
She remains one of the sport’s most enduring figures, and watching her grace New York again feels less like nostalgia and more like a celebration of perseverance and passion.
Williams’ comeback also represents the closing of one of the only blanks in her storied resume: mixed doubles success at the US Open. Having won nearly every major title over her career, the mixed doubles crown in New York has remained elusive.
“It’s kind of a priority for me to play that because it’s the one thing I’ve never done,” she said, revealing how much the moment means to her.
At a time when most athletes of her era have retired, Williams has re-emerged fully present and motivated by more than trophies. She’s playing for legacy, resilience, and insurance. But beyond that, she’s reminded a new generation why she remains a defining figure, both on the court and in the fight for equality and athlete welfare.
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