She returned at the Citi Open and turned heads by defeating 35th-ranked Peyton Stearns. By winning at 45 years old, Williams became the oldest woman to prevail in a WTA match since 47-year-old Martina Navratilova in 2004.

Williams competed in her first U.S. Open since 2023 on Monday night when she was defeated in three sets by Karolina Muchova 6-3, 2-6, 6-1, in an exciting showing at a packed Arthur Ashe Stadium. At 45, Williams is the second-oldest singles player in U.S. Open history.

Venus Williams will compete in women’s doubles at the U.S. Open after receiving a wild-card entry with 2021 singles runner-up Leylah Fernandez on Tuesday. The 45-year-old Williams is appearing at her first Grand Slam tournament in two years after making a comeback to pro tennis in July following 16 months away from the tour.