| Celebrated athlete Venus Williams made a stunning return to professional tennis in the Mubadala Citi DC Open, stepping back onto the court for the first time in more than a year and even making history Tuesday night. “This is very special for me to come back and play tennis,” said Williams. “I think it’s a […]
“This is very special for me to come back and play tennis,” said Williams. “I think it’s a surprise for the fans, a surprise in general, as I hold my cards tight. And you know in this last year, I have been through a lot physically, so to come back and be able to play, and hopefully enjoy myself, is a great opportunity.”
The 45-year-old icon who holds 21 Grand Slam titles across singles and doubles beat Peyton Stearns, ranked No. 35 in the world, in straight sets during the first round of the Mubadala Citi DC Open on July 22.
In her first singles victory since 2023, Williams became the oldest person to win a tour-level match since 47-year-old Martina Navratilova in 2004 at Wimbledon.
Her history-making triumph comes after Monday night’s success, when she joined forces with hometown favorite Hailey Baptiste to deliver a 6-3, 6-1 win over Eugenie Bouchard and Clervie Ngounoue.
“For me, it’s a dream come true,” said Baptiste. “It’s something I probably didn’t expect to happen in my career. So to have the opportunity is just really amazing to me. To be able to share the court with her, even if I was playing against her, it would have been amazing. But to actually team with her and get a win– no words.”
For Williams, returning to the court in the nation’s capital has extra special significance.
“I am so excited to be here in D.C.,” said Williams. Playing here is like playing at home. I have an older sister who lives here and a cousin who lives here, lots of cousins, a niece, my great nephew, and on and on… I remember my first time coming here when I was about 13 years old. So definitely a love affair with D.C. and also a great opportunity to play in the U.S.”
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Venus Williams Makes History in Return to Tennis at Mubadala Citi DC Open