Venus Williams defied the odds with a triumphant return to the sport at the Citi DC Open after staying nearly 16 months away from the sport. She defeated fellow American Peyton Stearns in straight sets to advance to the second round.
However, the win wasn’t intended as a statement or a response to those who doubted her abilities. The 45-year-old later shared her perspective in detail after the match.
Venus Williams Explains Her Purpose of Return After Citi Open 1R Win
Williams had been away from tennis since the 2024 Miami Open, and her wildcard entry into the WTA 500 event in Washington came as a surprise for many. The American had already made a winning start in doubles, partnering with Hailey Baptiste to defeat Eugenie Bouchard and Clervie Ngounoue in their first-round match on Monday.
Staying true to her potential, the seven-time Major champion put on a solid display against Stearns in their first-round match on Tuesday. Despite being broken at love to start, Williams quickly turned things around to take the first set 6-3. She then trailed 1-3 in the second, but drew on her experience and crowd support to rally and close out the set 6-4, advancing to the next round.
It’s like she never left 😮💨@Venuseswilliams defeats Stearns 6-3, 6-4 to reach the second round in the United States capital.#MubadalaCitiDCOpen pic.twitter.com/r38pH63jCt
— wta (@WTA) July 23, 2025
Williams’ comeback, originally planned for Indian Wells earlier this year, was delayed due to injury setbacks. Her return not only marked her first singles victory in nearly two years but, notably, wasn’t motivated by any desire to silence those who doubted her. During her post-match press conference, the American shared that her decision to play in Washington stemmed from personal desire but not from any need to prove others wrong.
“No, because I’m not here for anyone else except for me, and I also have nothing to prove. Zip, zero. I’m here for me because I want to be here. And proving anyone wrong or thinking about anyone has never gotten me a win and has never gotten me a loss. No one has put in the work for me. I put in the work,” she said.
Venus Williams made it very clear in press after her win over Peyton Stearns that her return to tennis IS NOT about proving other people wrong. pic.twitter.com/UncZqPU7Hh
— TennisONE App (@TennisONEApp) July 23, 2025
Dominant on serve, Williams won 71% of her first-serve points and 70% on her second. Her victory also saw her become the oldest player to win a tour-level singles match since Martina Navratilova, then 47, triumphed over Catalina Castano at Wimbledon in 2004.
Venus Williams Opens Up About Tuning Out External Opinions And Focusing on Herself
Later, during her press conference, Williams emphasized that outside opinions, either positive or negative, don’t affect her. What matters is her hard work and self-belief.
“So it doesn’t matter what anyone says. It doesn’t stop the work that I have put in. It doesn’t stop my belief. Even if people are saying amazing things, it still doesn’t help you win. I really just try to focus on myself and not think about anything else,” she added.
Williams has moved into the second round, where she will face Poland’s Magdalena Frech, who defeated qualifier Yuliia Starodubtseva 6-2, 6-4 in the first round. This will also mark their first meeting on tour.
