When Venus Williams walked onto the court docket on the 2025 Citi Open, the tennis world was watching with a mixture of nostalgia and disbelief. After greater than a yr away from aggressive play, Williams-now 45-delivered a efficiency that reignited the talk about longevity in elite sports activities.
For Williams, although, her comeback was not about public notion or proving doubters fallacious, however merely in regards to the love she continues to really feel for the sport.
Venus spills on comeback whereas teasing Serena’s subsequent transfer
“It is simply good to have the ability to play. The place I’m at this yr is a lot totally different from the place I used to be final yr,” Williams mirrored earlier than the match, alluding to the bodily and emotional hurdles which have outlined her journey.
Over three a long time, she has confronted every little thing from Sjogren’s syndrome, an autoimmune illness that drains her power, to fibroid problems that when required surgical procedure. But, every setback appeared solely to gas her dedication.
Venus Williams’ mindset and record-breaking return
Williams’ return was nothing in need of outstanding. She overcame Peyton Stearns in straight units, 6-3, 6-4, marking her because the oldest participant since Kimiko Date to compete in a tour-level singles match. Her press convention after the win was a masterclass in resilience. “There are not any limits for excellence. It is all about what’s in your head and the way a lot you are in a position to put into it. In case you put within the work mentally, bodily, and emotionally, then you’ll be able to have the consequence,” she defined.
Venus was fast to dismiss the concept that her victories are aimed toward silencing critics. “No, as a result of I am not right here for anybody else aside from me. I’ve nothing to show. Zip. Zero. I am right here for me as a result of I need to be right here. And proving anybody fallacious or enthusiastic about anybody has by no means gotten me a win and has by no means gotten me a loss,” she mentioned, emphasizing her private motivation.
Her serving statistics informed the story of a champion nonetheless very a lot answerable for her recreation, successful 71% of her first-serve factors and excelling on second-serve returns.
The tennis world reacts to Venus’ outstanding efficiency
Williams’ outstanding comeback drew reward from all corners of the tennis neighborhood. Her fianc, Andrea Preti, has performed a key function in supporting her via the ups and downs of her lengthy profession, and Williams herself highlighted his encouragement as invaluable. With this win, she grew to become the second-oldest lady to win a tour-level singles match, following Martina Navratilova.
Navratilova, who admitted to feeling uneasy when Williams accepted the wildcard into the draw, supplied nothing however admiration after witnessing the victory. “What are you able to say – as a result of it is unbelievable. She beat a top-ranked [No. 35] participant. I imply, hats off,” Navratilova commented.
Even Williams’ opponent Peyton Stearns expressed her shock on the veteran’s motion and depth, noting, “Her serves had been simply on fireplace.” In the meantime, Naomi Osaka known as her “My queen” on social media, and Billie Jean King praised her as “a champion,” wishing her continued success.
From Taylor Townsend to Frances Tiafoe and even childhood coach Rick Macci, tributes poured in, every reflecting the awe Venus Williams evokes in athletes and followers alike.
After 31 years on tour, Williams has as soon as once more proven she is able to rewriting the script-at any age.
As she continues her marketing campaign, the tennis world will likely be watching, desirous to see simply how far she will go.
