Venus Williams Makes History at 45: Oldest Woman Since Martina Navratilova to Win a Singles Match!

Washington (AP) — Venus Williams stepped onto the court, ready to show the world that age is just a number. At 45, she faced a much younger opponent, Peyton Stearns, who is only 22. It wasn’t just about the game; it was about coming back and proving that persistence pays off.

And against all odds, Williams won. With a score of 6-3, 6-4 at the DC Open, she became the second-oldest woman to claim a victory in tour-level singles matches, a feat only surpassed by Martina Navratilova, who won at 47 back in 2004.

“Some days I felt great and other days, not so much,” Williams shared. “It’s all in your head.” Her journey back to competitive tennis wasn’t easy. After a year-long break for health reasons, including surgery, Williams was eager to rediscover her rhythm.

Before facing Stearns, she hadn’t played a singles match since March 2024. The longer she stayed inactive, the more doubt crept in, but Williams was determined to give it her all. “I pray for good health. That’s the key for me,” she said. “I want to compete at my best.”

For the audience, it was nostalgic to watch Williams play. Many fans have admired her since before Stearns was even born, as Williams boasts seven Grand Slam singles titles and numerous doubles victories with her sister Serena. The crowd at the DC Open felt electric the moment she stepped onto the court. They cheered not just for the player they loved but for the spirit she embodies.

Stearns, no slouch herself, had won NCAA titles and ranked 35th in the world. Yet, Williams’s famous serves, some exceeding 110 mph, caught her off guard. “She played some ball tonight,” Stearns acknowledged post-match. “Her serves were just on fire.”

It wasn’t smooth sailing the whole match. There were moments when Williams faltered. A few unforced errors in the opening game showed that rust still clung to her skills. But she pushed through, facing multiple match points before finally sealing the win with a powerful serve that went unreturned.

“Winning this match means a lot to me,” Williams said, flashing a bright smile. She plans to take her momentum into the next round against No. 5 seed Magdalena Frech, who is 27. “I know every match will be a challenge. But I’m ready to fight.”

In a world where many athletes step back as they age, Williams is rewriting the rules. Her journey inspires not just tennis fans but anyone facing challenges in their lives. Age should never limit ambition or dreams.

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Venus Williams, Peyton Stearns, Tennis, Martina Navratilova, Miami, Magdalena Frech, Washington, General news, DC Wire, District of Columbia, Sports, U.S. news, U.S. News