Venus Williams’ final match got here on the 2024 Miami Open. From that second, hypothesis grew over whether or not the 45-year-old tennis legend would stage a real comeback. That return lastly arrived in Cincinnati this week. She started in doubles and, on Wednesday, July 22, performed singles, defeating 23-year-old Peyton Stearns in straight units – a efficiency that reminded everybody of the extent she nonetheless possesses.
With this victory over the world No. 35, Venus turned the oldest lady to win a WTA match since Martina Navratilova did so at 47 in 2004. The seven-time Grand Slam champion entered the Cincinnati event by way of a wildcard. Previous to Wednesday’s match, Venus had not competed since that Miami look in 2024.
Venus spills on comeback whereas teasing Serena’s subsequent transfer
After defeating Stearns, Williams made it clear that her return was motivated purely by private causes.
No, as a result of I am not right here for anybody else apart from me, and I additionally don’t have anything to show. Zip, zero. I am right here for me as a result of I wish to be right here. And proving anybody incorrect or fascinated with anybody has by no means gotten me a win and has by no means gotten me a loss.
Her assertion clarified why she selected to return: no exterior pressures, no want to impress others – only a private choice.
This context sheds gentle on the timing. Sixteen months had handed since her final match, however she by no means introduced retirement. The WTA had listed her as “inactive.” Earlier this 12 months, she even declined a wildcard for Indian Wells, opting as a substitute to attempt her hand as a commentator at Roland Garros.
Followers saved questioning about her return
Though she by no means confirmed a comeback, her Instagram posts confirmed intense coaching classes and highly effective serves, suggesting she remained in form and will return each time she wished.
Nobody has put within the work for me. I put within the work. So it would not matter what anybody says. It would not cease the work that I’ve put in. It would not cease my perception. Even when persons are saying wonderful issues, it nonetheless would not aid you win. I actually simply attempt to concentrate on myself and never take into consideration the rest.
Final 12 months, she battled a knee damage together with different well being points, together with fibroids and adenomyosis.
My signs have been excessive ache. , getting a lot in ache that perhaps you throw up. Or you’ll be able to’t get off the bottom.
The situation, through which uterine tissue invades the uterine wall, considerably difficult her restoration.
In humorous trend, Venus joked about her comeback:
I needed to return for the insurance coverage, this 12 months they advised me I am on COBRA. So I used to be like, I have to get these advantages going! I acquired again to coaching. You all understand how it’s, and let me inform you, I am at all times on the physician, so I undoubtedly want that insurance coverage.
Now again on tour, Venus goals to compete at a excessive stage regardless of lingering well being challenges and the stiff competitors forward.
