At 45, Venus Williams is showing the world that age doesn’t stop champions. The seven-time Grand Slam winner defeated fellow American Peyton Stearns 6-3, 6-4 at the DC Open, proving she still has the skill and determination that made her a legend.
This wasn’t just another win. It was a statement that passion, hard work and self-belief can keep you at the top no matter how old you are. Smiling at the cheering crowd, Venus said, “I wanted to play a good match and win the match,” and she delivered exactly that.
Her victory makes her the second-oldest woman to win a tour-level singles match, right behind Martina Navratilova, who last won at 47 in 2004. Venus’ road back hasn’t been easy.
After surgery to remove uterine fibroids, she doubted if she was ready to compete again, admitting the comeback was just as tough mentally as it was physically.
“There are no limits to excellence,” she said. “If you put in the work mentally, physically and emotionally, you can get the results.”
Her strong serves and powerful groundstrokes reminded everyone why she’s still one of the greatest. Up next, she’ll face Poland’s Magdalena Frech, and after this performance, it’s clear Venus isn’t done fighting for every point.
Below is the highlight of the match.
