Venus Williams, 45, Makes Triumphant Return with DC Open Win

Tennis icon Venus Williams made a victorious return to competitive play at age 45, winning her first match in 16 months at the DC Open after a long recovery from surgery.

The former world No. 1 teamed up with fellow American Hailey Baptiste to defeat Canada’s Eugenie Bouchard and teenage rising star Clervie Ngounoue in straight sets, 6-3, 6-1, in the opening round of the women’s doubles.

Marking her first match since undergoing surgery last year, Williams admitted that returning through doubles was a challenge. “It’s probably harder coming back through doubles because it’s not my usual game,” she said. “But having Hailey with me made all the difference.”

The seven-time Grand Slam champion reflected on how drastically things have changed since her time off. “Last year, tennis wasn’t even a thought — I just wanted to be healthy. It’s night and day now.”

Around 3,000 fans packed the stands for her comeback, including NBA star and Washington native Kevin Durant. “I saw KD and thought, ‘Let me show him what I’ve got,’” she laughed. “But they hit every ball to Hailey!”

Baptiste was also thrilled by the support: “The crowd, the chants — it was electric. And KD showing up? That was surreal.”

Williams is set to continue her return in singles on Tuesday night, facing fellow American Peyton Stearns on the main court.

Canadian star Eugenie Bouchard, who will retire next week in her home country, called it an honor to play against Williams. “She’s a legend — 14 years older and still giving it everything. Total respect.”

For Venus, the win was more than just a result — it was a reminder of her passion for the game. “When your health is gone, nothing else matters. Being able to play again, to feel that crowd — that’s the real victory.”