At 45 years old, Venus Williams stunned tennis fans with a remarkable return to the WTA Tour, defeating fellow American Peyton Stearns 6-3, 6-4 in the first round of the 2025 Mubadala Citi DC Open. The match marked Williams’ first singles appearance in 16 months following surgery for uterine fibroids. With this win, she notched her 819th career singles victory, becoming the oldest player to win a WTA match since Martina Navratilova in 2004.

The seven-time Grand Slam champion showed flashes of her vintage brilliance on Tuesday night, firing nine aces and winning 71% of her first-serve points. She broke Stearns’ serve six times out of 14 opportunities and wrapped up the match in one hour and 37 minutes. The victory marks Williams’ first match win since August 2023, when she defeated Veronika Kudermetova in Cincinnati.

Williams underwent surgery in July 2024 to treat uterine fibroids, a condition that has affected many women athletes. She took the necessary time to recover both physically and emotionally, maintaining a low profile while staying focused on her comeback. Her return to competition was inspired by her enduring passion for the game and a strong belief in her ability to compete at the highest level.

Speaking after the match, Venus shared her gratitude and motivation: “No matter how many times you fall, if you keep believing and working, there’s still space for you.” Her emotional return drew a standing ovation from the crowd in Washington, D.C., where she received a wild card entry into the tournament.

Williams will now face Poland’s Magdalena Fręch in the second round. While she remains unseeded, her performance has already reignited interest in her legendary career. Whether this marks a final chapter or the start of a new one, Venus Williams’ comeback stands as a testament to perseverance, determination, and love for the sport.