Venus Williams Wins at 45, Proves Excellence Has No Expiry/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ Venus Williams, 45, secured a remarkable win at the DC Open after a 16-month break. Her straight-set victory over 23-year-old Peyton Stearns makes her the oldest woman to win on tour since 2004. Williams says her motivation is personal, reminding the world that age is no barrier to greatness.
Venus Williams’ Record Win + Quick Looks
- Venus Williams, age 45, becomes oldest woman since 2004 to win a WTA singles match
- Defeated Peyton Stearns, 23, 6-3, 6-4 at DC Open
- Her first WTA victory in over 16 months
- Second-oldest WTA winner ever, behind Martina Navratilova (47 in 2004)
- Overcame uterine fibroid surgery and Sjögren’s syndrome to return to competition
- Seven-time Grand Slam singles champion, plus 16 doubles titles with sister Serena
- Wild-card entry granted by DC Open despite social media criticism
- Venus says her return is about passion, not proving doubters wrong
- Praised by Naomi Osaka, Frances Tiafoe, and Taylor Townsend
- “There are no limits for excellence,” said Williams after the match
Deep Look: Venus Williams, 45, Makes History With WTA Comeback Win
WASHINGTON, D.C. — July 23, 2025 — Venus Williams reminded the world why she remains one of tennis’s most enduring icons with a remarkable first-round victory at the DC Open, defeating 23-year-old Peyton Stearns 6-3, 6-4 in straight sets.
At 45 years old, Williams became the oldest woman in over two decades to win a tour-level singles match, a feat previously accomplished only by the legendary Martina Navratilova, who won at age 47 in 2004.
A Comeback Rooted in Resilience
What makes this win even more extraordinary is Williams’ 16-month absence from competition. During that time, she underwent surgery for uterine fibroids and continued to manage Sjögren’s syndrome, an autoimmune disease that saps energy and causes joint pain.
“This year is completely different from where I was last year,” Williams said. “It’s night and day — being able to be here and prepare for the tournament instead of preparing for surgery.”
Despite being away from the tour for more than a year, Williams entered the DC Open as a wild-card entrant, a decision that sparked debate on social media. Critics questioned whether that slot should have gone to a younger, rising player.
DC Open chairman Mark Ein dismissed the hesitation. “It took me two seconds to say ‘Of course,’” he said, affirming the impact Williams continues to have on tennis and sports at large.
Excellence Has No Expiration Date
When asked about the message behind her performance, Williams was clear:
“There are no limits for excellence. If you put in the work — mentally, physically, emotionally — you can have the result. It doesn’t matter how many times you fall. If you believe, there’s space for you.”
Williams’ triumph isn’t just about a scoreline — it’s about endurance, reinvention, and self-belief. Her first Grand Slam win came at Wimbledon in 2000, before her opponent Tuesday was even born. She now boasts seven major singles titles, 14 women’s doubles titles (all with Serena Williams), and two in mixed doubles.
Praise From Across the Sport
Players and fans alike were thrilled to witness the moment.
- Naomi Osaka called her “the queen,” saying, “There’s a royal air around her.”
- Frances Tiafoe labeled her and sister Serena as “icons for all of sports.”
- Taylor Townsend praised her courage, saying, “I commend her so much for being out here.”
Even Peyton Stearns, her defeated opponent, was full of admiration:
“Massive credit to her. It takes guts to come back, especially with everything she’s already done.”
Venus Is Back — For Herself
Despite chatter about proving naysayers wrong, Williams dismissed that motivation entirely.
“I’m not here for anyone else except for me. I have nothing to prove. I’m here because I want to be here.”
That candid confidence underscores why this win resonated so deeply. Williams’ journey is no longer just about trophies — it’s about showing up, persevering, and living with purpose.
This historic win not only places Williams in a rare category statistically but cements her legacy as a living blueprint for resilience and longevity.
As she smiled and raised her arms under the DC lights, the crowd cheered, and tennis history added one more chapter to the legend of Venus Williams.
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