Venus Williams returns to the court after 16 months and wins immediately

A comeback in a big way. Venus Williams, with a full 16 months of inactivity behind her, returned to the court at the Washington ATP tournament. At 45 years old and paired with Hailey Baptiste, she won the doubles match against Canadian Eugénie Bouchard and compatriot Clervie Ngounoue. In one’hour and 12 minutes, the Williams-Baptiste pair prevailed in two sets: 6-3, 6-1.

After some early difficulties (1-3 the partial), Venus Williams began to play loosely, showing that she can still play at certain levels. Also following her long-awaited return to the court was theNBA star Kevin Durant.

Not bad for the American who had not played an official match since the Miami Masters 1000 in March 2024 (eliminated in the first round by Diana Shnaider). Her last victory, on the other hand, was dated Cincinnati Masters 1000, 2023 edition.

Now expected at the highest level for her debut in the tournament’s women’s singles draw. She will challenge compatriot Peyton Stearns, a full 22 years her junior (world number 35). Meanwhile, the organizers of the US Open have announced that Venus Williams will participate in the mixed doubles tournament along with compatriot Reilly Opelka.It should be recalled that, her sister, Serena Williams, said goodbye to tennis at the 2022 US Open.