Title:
Venus Williams makes history with WTA singles win at 45

Subtitle:
The tennis legend becomes the oldest woman to win a WTA singles match in over two decades

Venus Williams, 45, becomes oldest WTA singles winner in more than 20 years

7/24/2025 – 10:38 AM

Tennis icon Venus Williams is making headlines once again — this time for defying the odds and setting a new age milestone. At 45, she defeated fellow American Peyton Stearns at the DC Open, becoming the oldest woman to win a WTA singles match since 2004. The victory also marked her first singles win in over a year, signaling a remarkable comeback.

A milestone victory in Washington

Williams defeated world No. 35 Peyton Stearns 6–3, 6–4 on Tuesday night, advancing to the round of 16 at the DC Open. It was her first singles win since the 2023 Cincinnati Open, and a triumphant return to the spotlight after months of inactivity.

Her latest singles win makes her the oldest woman to claim a WTA singles victory since the legendary Martina Navratilova won at Wimbledon in 2004 at age 47.

Earlier this week, Williams also made a winning return to doubles alongside Hailey Baptiste, making Monday her first doubles match in nearly three years.

Fighting spirit and sharp form

Despite being broken early in her service game, Williams quickly found her rhythm, using her trademark power and aggressive shot-making to dominate the match. Her performance showed that age hasn’t dulled her competitiveness — or her will to win.

“You know, it’s the first step, and the first match is always extremely difficult,” she told the WTA after her win. “It’s hard to describe how difficult it is to play a first match after so much time off.”

She added:

“I’m here with my friends, family, people I love, and the fans too, who I love and they love me, so this has been just a beautiful night.”

Tuesday’s victory follows a long break since her last tour-level singles match, a loss at the Miami Open in March 2024.

A legacy still growing

Williams’ career achievements are already legendary: seven Grand Slam singles titles, 14 doubles titles with her sister Serena, and two mixed doubles titles. Her return at age 45 speaks volumes about her mindset, discipline, and love for the game.

“There are no limits for excellence,” Williams said. “It’s all about what’s in your head and how much you’re able to put into it.”

“If you continue to believe and put in the work, there is an opportunity, there is space for you.”

Her statement reflects the same mental strength and resilience that helped her rise to world No. 1 and stay relevant in an ever-changing sport.

Upcoming matches and tough opponents

Venus won’t have much time to rest. She’s set to face Poland’s Magdalena Fręch, ranked world No. 24, in the next round on Thursday. In doubles, she’ll team up again with Hailey Baptiste to take on Taylor Townsend and China’s Zhang Shuai on Wednesday.

These back-to-back matches will test her stamina and fitness — but if her performance against Stearns is any indication, she’s more than ready.

A personal moment courtside

Off the court, Venus also shared a touching moment with her fiancé, Italian actor Andrea Preti, who was in the stands watching her play live for the first time. The two recently announced their engagement.

“My fiancé is here and he really encouraged me to keep playing,” she said. “There were so many times where I just wanted to coast and kind of chill.”

She joked about the demands of tennis:

“Do you know how hard it is to play tennis? … it’s 9 to 5 except you’re running the whole time. Lifting weights and just like dying, and then you repeat it the next day.”

Thanks to Preti’s encouragement, Venus decided to push forward — and now, she’s made history.

Summary:
At 45, Venus Williams is proving there’s still space at the top for experience, grit, and determination. Her win at the DC Open is more than a personal comeback — it’s a moment of inspiration for sports fans everywhere.

Follow our blog for more updates from the DC Open, player stories, and legendary comebacks in the world of sports. Share your thoughts in the comments — is Venus the ultimate comeback queen?

Source: CNN – Venus Williams, 45, becomes oldest player to win WTA singles match in more than 20 years