Venus Williams earned a major career milestone this week, becoming the second-oldest woman ever to win a singles match at the tour level. At 45, she defeated 23-year-old Peyton Stearns in straight sets (6–3, 6–4) during the opening round of the DC Open, notching her first tour-level win since 2022. The match marked a triumphant return for Williams, who had spent much of the past two years recovering from surgery related to uterine fibroids.
Displaying her signature power and poise, Williams landed serves topping 110 mph and controlled key rallies from the baseline. After the match, she credited her win to mental strength and disciplined preparation, admitting there were moments when she wasn’t sure if she’d be ready to compete again. Her victory places her just behind Martina Navratilova, who holds the record as the oldest woman to win a WTA match at age 47 in 2004.
The crowd’s enthusiastic support underscored the lasting impact Williams has had on the sport. Her performance drew praise from fans and fellow players alike, with many celebrating her resilience and longevity in a demanding era of professional tennis. Williams’ win served as both a personal triumph and a reminder of her enduring influence on the game.
