WASHINGTON — Even after her return to professional tennis, which featured an intensive four-match stretch within just four days, Venus Williams garnered enthusiastic applause from her devoted fans despite facing a singles loss. The D.C. Open’s stadium announcer captured the sentiment perfectly: “We’re never going to say goodbye to Venus Williams, are we?”
This moment was not merely a fleeting hello or goodbye for the 45-year-old Williams, who made her presence felt after a 16-month hiatus from the tour. During her time in Washington, she celebrated a hard-fought victory in both singles and doubles. Having not won a match since 2023, the illustrious holder of seven Grand Slam singles titles and 14 women’s doubles titles alongside her sister Serena was honored by fans and fellow players alike.
“I’m disappointed to have fallen short,” Williams reflected after her elimination by 24th-ranked Magdalena Frech, 6-2, 6-2 on Thursday night, “but I believe I can perform better. And I know I will.”
And this is just the beginning: Williams is set to compete in the Cincinnati Open this August. That’s a definite.
She may also very well grace the courts at the U.S. Open next month, contingent on the U.S. Tennis Association granting her a wild-card entry. The USTA has noted her request to team up with Reilly Opelka in the tournament’s exciting new mixed doubles format.
Williams made it crystal clear that her time in Washington was an exhilarating experience.
She thrives on challenges. Tennis is her passion. And who wouldn’t revel in the admiration of so many?
“At this tournament, everything revolves around her. The media, the fans—everyone is rooting for her,” Frech pointed out. “She’s a superstar. A living legend.”
Yet, this isn’t solely about enjoyment; Williams is just as focused on victory.
“I’ve learned so much here. I know exactly where I can improve. The silver lining is I remained in control of the points. The key is just to get the ball in,” Williams shared with a grin. “This is where I stumbled today. Did I control the court? Absolutely. Can I maintain that control in most matches? Likely, yes. That’s where I aim to be, so I’m positioning myself for it. That’s what truly matters.”
Williams still possesses a powerful serve, as demonstrated by her series of aces exceeding 110 mph in her straight-set triumph against 35th-ranked Peyton Stearns.
She remains adept at delivering formidable forehands and backhands, too.
As Stearns aptly noted, “She played some incredible tennis tonight.”
At the conclusion of her final press conference in Washington, Williams reflected on her experiences and the dedication it took to return after a year off due to surgery for uterine fibroids.
Her closing remarks seemed to serve as a warning to her future opponents.
“I’ll take time to analyze this match and pinpoint areas for enhancement. I’ll reassess my prep work leading into the matches so I’m perfectly fit. Those details matter. But more than anything, I’m gathering a wealth of knowledge from this tournament. So much valuable data,” Williams expressed. “I can’t wait to hit the practice court. My coach and I are already strategizing our next steps, and the rapid progress I’ve made in recent weeks has felt like an exhilarating ascent.”
She paused thoughtfully, adding, “We’ve made remarkable strides, and I anticipate even more.”
