Seven-time Grand Slam winner Venus Williams marked a triumphant return to competitive tennis at the Washington Open, reaching the last 16 in women’s doubles after 16 months away from the sport.
Idman.biz, citing BBC, reports that the 45-year-old, a former world number one, accepted a wildcard to enter the tournament, having last competed at the Miami Open in March 2024 and last won a title at Cincinnati in August 2023.
Partnering with fellow American Hailey Baptiste, Williams secured a commanding 6-3, 6-1 victory over Eugenie Bouchard and Clervie Ngounoue. “It was inspiring to be out here,” Williams told Sky Sports, expressing her love for the game and her confidence in still hitting powerfully.
This marks Williams’ first doubles match in three years, and she humorously wished she had teamed up with Baptiste sooner instead of her sister Serena, with whom she won 14 major doubles titles. Venus will next face Peyton Stearns in the singles first round. Despite lacking a current ranking, Williams’ comeback is a promising sign for fans eager to see more from the tennis legend.
Idman.biz
