Venus Williams made a winning return to professional tennis at age 45, triumphing in her first match back after a 16-month break due to health challenges.
The tennis icon partnered with fellow American Hailey Baptiste to defeat Canada’s Eugenie Bouchard and rising star Clervie Ngounoue 6-3, 6-1 in the opening round of the DC Open doubles event.
It was Williams’ first competitive appearance since undergoing surgery last year. Speaking after the match, she acknowledged the difficulty of returning through doubles play — a format she’s less accustomed to. “It’s probably harder coming back through doubles because it’s not my usual game,” she said. “But Hailey made it easier. She’s been in form and gave us momentum.”
Now feeling stronger and healthier, Williams reflected on her journey. “This time last year, I wasn’t thinking about tennis at all — just healing,” she said. “Now I’m back, playing with freedom and appreciating every moment.”
Williams’ singles return is scheduled for Tuesday night, where she’ll face fellow American Peyton Stearns in what’s expected to be a high-profile match on the main court.
Around 3,000 fans turned out for her return — among them NBA star and Washington native Kevin Durant. “When I saw KD in the crowd, I thought, ‘Okay, I’ve got to bring it,’” she laughed. “But they kept hitting the ball to Hailey!”
Baptiste also enjoyed the moment: “It was amazing to have KD cheering us on — the whole crowd was electric.”
Williams stressed that just being able to step back on the court felt like a win. “You can play a thousand matches, but if you don’t have your health, none of it matters. That perspective makes this return feel even more special.”
Her opponent, Eugenie Bouchard — set to retire next week in Canada — expressed admiration. “Venus is a legend. She’s 14 years older than me and still competing. It was an honor to share the court with her again.”
As Venus gears up for her singles comeback, one thing is clear — the legend isn’t done just yet.