WASHINGTON, D.C. — Tennis legend Venus Williams made a triumphant return to the court at the Citi Open, teaming up with American Hailey Baptiste to secure a thrilling three-set victory. At 45 years old, Williams proved she still has the competitive fire, and she couldn’t resist a playful jab at her younger sister, Serena, after the match.
The Williams sisters have long dominated women’s tennis, with Serena holding a 19-12 head-to-head edge over Venus in professional matches. But Venus, who last played competitively in 2023, showed no signs of rust in her doubles debut with Baptiste, defeating the duo of Tereza Mihalíková and Arina Rodionova 6-3, 4-6, 10-8. After the match, Venus quipped, "I told Serena I’d remind her what winning feels like—just in case she forgot after retirement."
A Comeback to Remember
Venus Williams’ return to competitive tennis was met with roaring applause from the Washington crowd. Despite her age and recent injury struggles, she displayed flashes of her signature power and court awareness. Baptiste, 22, praised her partner’s resilience, saying, "Playing with Venus is surreal. She moves like she’s still in her prime, and her experience is unmatched."
Key highlights from the match included:
- A blistering cross-court winner from Venus in the first set
- A clutch tiebreak performance in the deciding super tiebreak
- Baptiste’s fearless net play, complementing Venus’ baseline dominance
The Sisterly Rivalry Continues
Venus’ lighthearted dig at Serena wasn’t just for laughs—it reignited one of sports’ most iconic rivalries. Serena, who retired in 2022, has been focused on business ventures and motherhood, but Venus hinted that she might still have the upper hand if they ever faced off again. "I’ve got a few tricks left," she teased in her post-match interview.
What’s Next for Venus?
While Venus hasn’t confirmed a full-fledged comeback, her performance suggests she’s far from done. Tennis analysts speculate she could target select doubles events, including the US Open, where she last competed in 2022. Her longtime coach, David Witt, noted, "Venus loves the game too much to walk away. If her body holds up, she’ll keep pushing."
Fan Reactions and Legacy
Social media erupted with praise for Venus, with fans calling her an inspiration. Former player Andy Roddick tweeted, "Venus at 45 is still out here schooling the next gen. Legend status confirmed." Her longevity in the sport—spanning three decades—cements her as one of tennis’ all-time greats.
As for Serena’s response? She hasn’t publicly commented yet, but knowing their rivalry, a friendly clapback is likely coming soon. For now, Venus gets the last laugh—and perhaps a few more wins under her belt.
The Williams sisters have redefined tennis, breaking barriers and setting records. Venus’ latest victory is another reminder of their enduring impact. Whether this marks a full return or a farewell tour, one thing is certain: Venus Williams isn’t done making history.
In her own words: "Age is just a number. The love for the game? That’s forever."