Venus Williams Wins Doubles at DC Open After 16-Month Break

Venus Williams is back in world tennis. The 45-year-old started with a win in the doubles tournament at the DC Open.

» Published: July 22 2025 at 07:54

Venus Williams Wins Doubles at DC Open After 16-Month Break
Photo: Nick Wass/AP/TT

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After a 16-month long break from professional tennis, the American stepped onto the court in front of about 3,000 in the audience – including basketball star Kevin Durant – in the American capital Washington DC.

Together with Hailey Baptiste, USA, Eugenie Bouchard from Canada and the American teenager Clervie Ngounoue were defeated with 6-3, 6-1.

Williams, who has seven Grand Slam titles in her bag on the singles side, has suffered from myoma – benign tumors in the uterus – which she was operated on last year, according to an interview in Self. She states after the match that tennis has no significance if you are not feeling well.

It's just nice to be able to play. Where I am this year is so different compared to where I was last year. It's like night and day, to be here and prepare for the tournament compared to preparing for an operation a year ago, says Williams after the match.

At the same time, the perspective maybe made it easier to actually pick up the racket again, she says.

Williams enjoyed celebrating with the spectators.

It's so much work. I have trained for months to get here, and you train to win here – which is no guarantee. You haven't won until the last point is decided. It's important to share that with the audience, she says.

On Tuesday, Williams enters the singles tournament when she meets her compatriot Peyton Stearns.

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By TTEnglish edition by Sweden Herald, adapted for local and international readers
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