Venus Williams’ D.C. Open Run Ends, But Spirit Soars
Veteran star earns standing ovation after year-long hiatus and historic win
Washington D.C. — Even without a victory to celebrate, tennis icon **Venus Williams** received a rapturous send-off at the D.C. Open Thursday night. Her return to the court after over a year’s absence culminated in a second-round exit, but the 45-year-old’s resilience and connection with fans were undeniable.
A Hero’s Welcome Back
Following a 6-2, 6-2 defeat to 24th-ranked Magdalena Frech, the crowd in the main stadium rose to their feet. **Williams**, a seven-time Grand Slam singles champion, responded with a characteristic smile, a twirl, and a wave, emotions typically reserved for triumph.
“Oh, I had so much fun. Definitely not the result I wanted, but still a learning experience. The part about sport (and) life is that you never stop learning.”
—Venus Williams
This tournament marked Williams‘ first competitive outing since March 2024, having sidelined herself to undergo surgery for uterine fibroids. Her initial match in Washington saw her secure a singles win against 35th-ranked Peyton Stearns, making her the oldest woman to win a tour-level singles match since Martina Navratilova at age 47 in 2004. This achievement itself highlights the enduring nature of her career, as statistically, the longevity of female athletes in top-tier professional sports continues to be a growing area of interest, with many pushing boundaries well into their late 30s and beyond, unlike in previous decades (ESPN).
Battling Fatigue, Embracing the Journey
The veteran acknowledged feeling the physical toll of playing multiple matches. She competed in two singles and two doubles matches over four consecutive days.
“I feel like I ran out of gas today, unfortunately. I tried to find the energy, and I didn’t find it.”
—Venus Williams
Williams‘ quest for consecutive wins, a streak not achieved since August 2019 at the Cincinnati Open, was ultimately thwarted. Despite a promising start against Frech, where she held an early lead, the momentum shifted decisively.
Frech, the 27-year-old Polish player who reached the fourth round of the 2024 Australian Open, praised Williams‘ incredible drive.
“I can’t even imagine how she pushes herself. It’s really amazing.”
—Magdalena Frech
Throughout the match, the stadium resonated with the energy of **Williams**’ fans. Every powerful groundstroke elicited a roar, though consistency proved challenging, with 14 unforced errors in the first set alone. Nevertheless, even in defeat, Williams found valuable lessons, already looking ahead to her next commitment at the Cincinnati Open next month.
The experience underscored the importance of health care access, a topic **Williams** touched upon with a mix of humor and seriousness, linking her competitive drive to maintaining her WTA health insurance.
“Health care is so important — and access to health care and being able to see the right and the best doctors for whatever you’re going through. Obviously it’s a fun and funny moment, but it’s an issue that people are dealing with, so it is serious.”
—Venus Williams
Her time in Washington, playing four matches in her first event back, proved to be a significant step in her continued return to the sport she has dominated for decades.
