Venus Williams isn’t done yet.
Venus Williams, 45, shocks tennis world with stunning comeback win
At 45 years old, the tennis legend pulled off a stunning win at the Mubadala Citi DC Open on Tuesday, defeating 23-year-old Peyton Stearns, the world’s No. 35-ranked player, in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4. It marked Williams’ first singles victory since August 2023 and made her the second-oldest woman ever to win a tour-level singles match.
The performance came just a week after she was listed as inactive. But in true Venus fashion, she stepped back on the court and left no doubt she still has something left in her game.
“This means a lot,” she said post-match. “It’s not easy out there.”
The win was more than just a throwback moment. It was a history-making performance by one of the sport’s all-time greats.
Inspired by her fiancé
Williams gave a nod to her fiancé, Italian actor Andrea Preti, for encouraging her to keep grinding.
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“He really pushed me to keep playing,” she said. “There were times I wanted to slow down. This life, it’s not easy. You’re running, lifting, sweating nonstop. It’s brutal. But he supported me through it.”
This match was also the first time Preti watched her play live.
Preti is known for his work in films and series such as Temptation, A Professor, and My Beloved Enemy.
What’s next for Venus?
Williams isn’t done this week. She’ll be back on court Thursday to face No. 5 seed Magdalena Frech, who is 27 years old. On Wednesday, she’s also scheduled to play doubles alongside 23-year-old Hailey Baptiste, after the pair won their opening match together.
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