In a captivating display of ageless prowess, Venus Williams made a triumphant return to professional tennis at the 2025 Mubadala Citi DC Open in Washington, D.C., captivating fans and players alike with her infectious passion. At 45, the seven-time Grand Slam champion became the second-oldest woman to win a WTA Tour-level singles match in over two decades, defeating Peyton Stearns 6-3, 6-4 in the first round on July 22, 2025. Though her journey ended in the second round with a 6-2, 6-2 loss to fifth seed Magdalena Frech, Williams’ comeback after a 16-month hiatus left an indelible mark on the tournament. Among those inspired was Canada’s Leylah Fernandez, who, after her own stunning upset over top seed Jessica Pegula, spoke eloquently about the profound reminder Williams offered: the joy of tennis as a privilege. “She reminded me that tennis is a privilege, that tennis is a sport where you have fun, you get down and you get back up, and you’re still laughing, if you lose a point or when you win the point,” Fernandez said, her admiration palpable.
Fernandez, the 22-year-old former US Open finalist, delivered a standout performance in Washington, outlasting Pegula 6-3, 1-6, 7-5 in a grueling two-hour, 19-minute battle to reach the quarterfinals. The victory, which came despite an early break deficit in the third set, showcased Fernandez’s resilience and growing confidence on the hard courts. Her words about Williams, however, revealed a deeper layer of inspiration drawn from the American legend’s return. “Her story has a little bit of a parallel with mine and my dad and my mom,” Fernandez noted, reflecting on the shared journey of rising through the ranks with family support. “It’s so cool to see a legend still playing, still doing what she loves. It’s not to prove people wrong, but because she truly loves the sport, and you can see the child in her.”
Williams’ return was a celebration of tenacity and love for the game. Her victory over Stearns, a 23-year-old rising star ranked No. 35, saw her unleash nine aces and dictate play with aggressive forehands, moving her opponent around the court to induce errors. The Washington crowd erupted as Williams sealed the match with a signature twirl and wave, a moment that resonated deeply with Fernandez. “I love that, because sometimes we forget that we started playing this sport as a kid with joy and passion,” Fernandez said. “We think of it more as a job, and we lose that joy.” Her words echoed the sentiment of a player rediscovering the heart of the sport, inspired by Williams’ ability to compete with the same enthusiasm that defined her early career.
The parallels Fernandez drew between her story and Williams’ are rooted in their family-driven journeys. Fernandez’s father, Jorge, a former footballer from Ecuador, coached her despite no prior tennis experience, drawing inspiration from Richard Williams, father of Venus and Serena. “My dad did his homework with all the fathers who have helped the WTA and ATP players,” Fernandez said in 2022, citing influences like the fathers of Maria Sharapova and Andre Agassi. This connection deepened her admiration for Williams, whose comeback at 45—following surgery for uterine fibroids in 2024—embodied the spirit of perseverance. “She’s been a huge impact not only for myself but for my whole family,” Fernandez added, highlighting the personal resonance of Williams’ story.
Williams’ Washington performance, though cut short by Frech’s consistency, earned her a wildcard into the Cincinnati Open, fueling speculation about a potential US Open appearance in the new mixed doubles event alongside Reilly Opelka. Her presence in D.C., where she also competed in doubles with Hailey Baptiste, was a testament to her enduring love for tennis. “I had so much fun,” Williams said after her loss to Frech, emphasizing the joy of competition over the result. Her opponent, Frech, called her a “superstar” and “legend,” noting the emotional weight of facing such an icon. “Everything is about her at this tournament,” Frech said, capturing the electric atmosphere Williams created.
For Fernandez, Williams’ return was a timely reminder as she navigates her own career. After a breakout 2021 US Open final run, where she defeated top players like Naomi Osaka and Aryna Sabalenka before falling to Emma Raducanu, Fernandez has faced challenges, including a first-round US Open exit in 2024. Her Washington run, bolstered by a first-round win over Maya Joint (6-3, 6-3), signals a resurgence as she prepares to face Taylor Townsend in the quarterfinals. With the Canadian Open and US Open on the horizon, Fernandez’s renewed focus on joy—sparked by Williams’ example—could propel her forward. As she reflected on Williams’ childlike passion, Fernandez’s words encapsulated a universal truth: “You can still see the child in her. I love that.”
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