In a dazzling display of resilience and skill, Venus Williams, at the age of 45, has made a stunning comeback to the WTA Tour at the 2025 Mubadala Citi DC Open in Washington, D.C. After a 16-month hiatus following surgery for uterine fibroids in July 2024, the tennis legend stepped onto the court with the same ferocity that defined her storied career. Her return was nothing short of electrifying, as she clinched a straight-sets victory over 23-year-old Peyton Stearns, ranked World No. 35, with a score of 6-3, 6-4. This win marked her as the second-oldest woman to secure a WTA Tour singles match, trailing only Martina Navratilova, who achieved the feat at 47 in 2004. Adding to the excitement, Venus also triumphed in doubles alongside Hailey Baptiste, defeating Eugenie Bouchard and Clervie Ngounoue, showcasing her enduring versatility.
Venus’s performance was a masterclass in power and precision, with serves clocking over 110 mph, including a 112 mph ace to seal her singles match. Her court coverage and sharp returns reminded fans of her prime, when she claimed seven Grand Slam singles titles and held the World No. 1 ranking. Reflecting on her journey, Venus shared the mental challenges she faced: “Each week that I was training, I was, like, ‘Oh, my God, I don’t know if I’m good enough yet.’ … It’s all a head game.” Yet, her love for tennis and personal drive shone through. “I’m not here for anyone else except for me. I have nothing to prove. Zip. Zero,” she declared, emphasizing that her comeback was fueled by passion, not external validation.
The tennis world erupted in celebration, with tributes pouring in from peers and fans alike. Among those cheering loudest was Coco Gauff, the 21-year-old World No. 2 and two-time Grand Slam champion, whose admiration for Venus runs deep. Gauff, who burst onto the scene by defeating her idol Venus at Wimbledon in 2019 at just 15 years old, took to social media with a simple yet powerful message: “Venus,” followed by a crown emoji. The gesture encapsulated her respect for the trailblazer who, alongside her sister Serena, paved the way for Black women in tennis. Gauff has often credited the Williams sisters for inspiring her career, noting, “They’re the reason why I have this trophy today… They allowed me to believe in this dream.”
The connection between Venus and Coco transcends competition. Their bond, forged through mutual respect, has grown over the years, from Gauff’s childhood days watching Venus at the 2012 US Open to their doubles partnership at the 2021 French Open. During a 2025 French Open broadcast, Venus praised Gauff’s passion, saying, “She’s had a great year so far… You got the goods. You got the attitude.” Gauff, visibly moved, responded, “You and Serena are the reason I started this sport.” This exchange highlighted a generational torch-passing, with Venus’s influence evident in Gauff’s rise to stardom.
Venus’s comeback also sparked discussions about her serve, which remains a formidable weapon. Fans on social media marveled at her ability to outshine younger players, with one noting, “She still has a better serve than 99% of the WTA players right now.” This led to comparisons with Gauff, whose serve, while powerful, has seen a dip in consistency. Despite her 128 mph serve at the 2022 US Open, Gauff’s recent average first-serve speed has hovered around 104 mph, prompting some to suggest she could learn from Venus’s technique.
Beyond the court, Venus’s return was a personal triumph, supported by her fiancé, Andrea Preti, who encouraged her to keep playing. “My fiancé is here, and he really encouraged me to keep playing,” Venus shared post-match, her smile reflecting newfound joy. Her focus on healthcare and equality advocacy further underscored her legacy, as she emphasized the importance of the next generation continuing the fight for justice.
As Venus continues her campaign at the Citi DC Open, the tennis world watches in awe, eager to see how far this icon can go. Gauff’s tribute, simple yet profound, serves as a reminder of Venus’s enduring impact—not just as a player, but as a beacon of inspiration for generations.
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