Venus Williams loses but shines in what may be her final US Open match

The crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium witnessed a moving performance by 45-year-old Venus Williams in what may be her final appearance at the US Open. The American icon, returning to the tournament after a year-long absence, showed glimpses of her legendary form in a valiant first-round defeat to Czech 11th seed Karolina Muchova.

Williams, who has battled back from serious health issues, including the incurable autoimmune disease Sjogren's syndrome and painful fibroids, spoke in an emotional post-match press conference about her journey.

"Getting back on the court was about giving myself a chance to play more healthy," Williams said. "When you play unhealthy, it's in your mind. It's not just how you feel. You get stuck in your mind too. So it was nice to be freer."

She became visibly upset and emotional as she reflected on her return, eventually falling silent before the interview was cut short.

The match, which lasted over two hours, saw Williams battle back after a shaky start. She won only two of the first 13 points, which created a tense atmosphere on the court. But the crowd’s roar of encouragement spurred her on. Williams quickly improved her service game, gaining confidence and hitting the ball with the clean, crisp power that defined her career. However, having only played four matches in 18 months, she ultimately faded in the deciding set, where Muchova’s strong serving proved to be the difference.

Despite the loss, Williams's impressive level answered her doubters. Her return to the court had been met with some criticism, with some arguing her wildcard spot blocked a younger player's opportunity. But her performance against a top-ranked opponent proved she still belongs on the grandest stage.

Williams, however, remained non-committal about her future, telling reporters that she loves playing but is unsure if she is "willing to travel that far at this stage in my career."

Fans pay tribute to a legend

For many fans, this was a moment to cherish. The prospect that this could be her final US Open appearance drew fans from all over. Dorothy Blagmon, a 79-year-old fan who traveled from Atlanta, explained her motivation for being there. "I might never get to see her again," she said. "I love that she loves to play because I love tennis too—and I love her."

Venus Williams, along with her younger sister Serena, changed the face of the WTA Tour with their aggressive, first-strike tennis, which became a blueprint for a new generation of players. They became an inspiration for millions, and Venus's personal battles, including her fight for equal prize money and her perseverance through health challenges, have further solidified her iconic status. As the tennis world awaits her next move, her legacy as a trailblazer and a true champion is already cemented.