Tennis legend Venus Williams has made a winning return to professional tennis at the age of 45, securing her first competitive victory in over 16 months. In her comeback match at the 2025 Mubadala Citi DC Open—one of the key WTA 500 events—Williams teamed up with 22-year-old fellow American Hailey Baptiste to win in straight sets during the women’s doubles round of 16.
This win not only marked a personal milestone for Venus but also a powerful statement about resilience, perseverance, and passion for the sport. After a challenging year dealing with major health issues and being away from the tour, Venus returned to court with confidence and grace.
Winning Debut in DC: Venus and Baptiste Dominate Round of 16
On her long-awaited return, Venus Williams showed flashes of her legendary skill as she and Hailey Baptiste defeated Clervie Ngounoue and Eugenie Bouchard, two fellow North American players, with a commanding score of 6-3, 6-1.
This was Venus Williams’ first match win on the WTA Tour since August 2023, when she beat Veronika Kudermetova in the opening round of the Western & Southern Open (Cincinnati). Notably, this doubles match was her first official competitive appearance since March 2024, when she was defeated by Russian rising star Diana Shnaider in the first round of the Miami Open.
After the latest win, Venus gave her signature celebratory twirl on court, clearly moved by the enthusiastic reception from the packed audience. The stadium was filled with supporters of all ages, many of whom have followed her illustrious career for over two decades.
A Comeback Built on Courage and Health Battles
Venus Williams’ return to tennis is not just about sport—it is a story of courage, recovery, and physical resilience. Speaking to NBC News earlier this month, the 45-year-old revealed that she had undergone major surgery to remove fibroids from her uterus—a chronic condition that had silently affected her health for years.
Uterine fibroids, as confirmed by the Mayo Clinic, are noncancerous growths that often appear during childbearing years. However, for Venus, the fibroids created significant pain, fatigue, and hormonal imbalance, which had severely impacted her quality of life and professional performance.
Reflecting on the experience after her win, Venus told the Associated Press:
“It’s just nice to be able to play. Where I am at this year is so much different from where I was at last year. It’s night and day—being able to be here and prepare for the tournament as opposed to preparing for surgery a year ago.”
She added that her health scare offered her a new perspective, stating:
“At the end of the day, it doesn’t really matter if your health is not there. So, it definitely put things in perspective for me and maybe made it easier to make the decision to come back out here and play even freer.”
This emotional and physical journey toward recovery has added greater meaning to her return to competition.
Nearly Three Years Since Her Last Doubles Match
While Venus has continued playing singles matches intermittently, her doubles appearance in Washington was her first since 2022, nearly three years ago. Her absence from doubles competition had left many fans wondering if she would ever return in that format.
As of now, Venus holds no official WTA ranking in singles or doubles due to her inactivity over the past year and a half. However, she remains a revered figure in tennis history. Her professional résumé includes:
- 7 Grand Slam singles titles
- 14 Grand Slam doubles titles (with Serena Williams)
- 2 Grand Slam mixed doubles titles (in 1998)
She also has 5 Wimbledon singles titles, 4 Olympic gold medals, and has been ranked World No. 1 in both singles and doubles in her career. Her impact on tennis, particularly in bringing power and athleticism to the women’s game, is considered revolutionary.
Praise for Hailey Baptiste and the Instant Chemistry
Venus Williams had glowing praise for her new partner, Hailey Baptiste, who hails from Washington, D.C., the host city of the DC Open. From the very first point, the two Americans appeared in sync, exchanging quick communication and displaying sharp net play and solid baseline control.
After the match, Venus jokingly reflected:
“From the first point, I could see we were going to be a good team. We just should have started playing earlier—years ago, right? I think Serena was just in the way.”
This lighthearted remark referenced her long-standing doubles partnership with younger sister Serena Williams, with whom she has won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles. Baptiste, ranked outside the Top 100 in singles, gained valuable exposure and experience partnering with one of the all-time greats.
Next Challenge: Singles Wild Card Entry Against Peyton Stearns
Venus Williams’ comeback is not limited to doubles. She has also received a wild card entry into the singles draw at the DC Open. Her first-round opponent will be 22-year-old American Peyton Stearns, currently ranked within the WTA Top 100.
Stearns, a former NCAA champion from the University of Texas, represents a new generation of American players. The match is expected to draw significant attention, as it marks Venus’ first singles appearance since March 2024.
The match is scheduled for Tuesday, and it will be another opportunity for Williams to test her form against a younger competitor in a high-stakes environment.
Why Venus’ Comeback Matters in the Bigger Picture
Venus Williams’ return to competitive tennis at age 45 is a rare feat in the modern era of professional sports. While many of her former rivals have long retired, Venus continues to defy expectations—not for glory, but for the love of the game.
Her comeback is particularly inspiring given the health battles she has overcome. Along with fibroids, Venus also lives with Sjögren’s syndrome, an autoimmune disorder that causes fatigue and joint pain. Diagnosed in 2011, the condition led her to briefly withdraw from competition but never fully retire.
Despite these challenges, she remains one of the few players in tennis history to continue competing professionally into her mid-40s. According to WTA historical records, only a handful of women—including Martina Navratilova and Kimiko Date-Krumm—have played tour-level matches at this age.
A Role Model Beyond Tennis
Outside the court, Venus has been an influential advocate for equal prize money for women, mental health awareness, and health equity. She holds degrees in fashion design and business administration and runs her own fashion brand, EleVen by Venus Williams.
Her latest comeback adds to her legacy—not just as a player, but as a symbol of endurance, empowerment, and transformation. Younger players, particularly women of color, have cited Venus as a major influence on their careers and personal goals.
A Comeback to Remember
Venus Williams’ win in her return match at the 2025 DC Open is more than a tennis victory—it’s a celebration of strength, survival, and legacy. From recovering after a major surgery to stepping back onto the court in front of an adoring crowd, her journey is a testament to the human spirit.
As she prepares for her singles match against Peyton Stearns, tennis fans around the world will be watching—hoping for more moments of brilliance from a player who changed the game forever.
