Venus Williams, 45, writes history with Washington Open victory

Venus Williams continues to etch her name into the tennis history books, achieving a remarkable feat at the Washington Open. At 45 years old, she has become the second-oldest woman ever to win a WTA Tour-level singles match, stunning fellow American Peyton Stearns, who is 22 years her junior. Williams secured a convincing 6-3, 6-4 victory in the first round.

This triumph makes Williams the oldest woman to win a singles match on tour since Martina Navratilova accomplished the feat at 47 years old in 2004. The seven-time singles Grand Slam winner, who received a wildcard entry into the tournament, had not played a singles match since March 2024.

When asked if her victory brought satisfaction in proving doubters wrong, Williams’s response was characteristically defiant and focused inward: "No, because I'm not here for anyone else except for me." She continued, emphasizing her self-motivation: "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."

Williams, who holds 14 Grand Slam doubles titles alongside her sister Serena, last won a singles match in August 2023. Although she never formally announced retirement, the WTA had listed her as 'inactive' after her 16-month hiatus.

Her return to competitive play began earlier this week on Monday, where she partnered with compatriot Hailey Baptiste in the doubles, defeating Eugenie Bouchard and Clervie Ngounoue 6-3 6-1 in the round of 16.

The sheer longevity of Williams' career is highlighted by the fact that she had already claimed four Grand Slam titles by the time Stearns was born in 2001. Stearns herself acknowledged the veteran's exceptional performance, stating, "She played some ball tonight. She was moving really well, which I wasn't expecting too much, honestly. Her serves were just on fire."

Williams will now face Polish fifth seed Magdalena Frech in the second round, as she continues her inspiring run in Washington.