American tennis legend Venus Williams has made history by becoming the second oldest woman to win a WTA Tour-level singles match, following her first-round victory over compatriot Peyton Stearns at the Washington Open on Tuesday.
Williams, 45, defeated the world No. 35 in straight sets, 6-3, 6-4, marking a remarkable return to competitive tennis. The result sees her advance to the second round of the WTA and ATP DC Open.
With the win, Williams becomes the oldest woman to claim a singles match victory on the WTA Tour since Martina Navratilova, who achieved the feat at age 47 in 2004.
The seven-time Grand Slam singles champion entered the Washington Open via a wildcard. It was her first competitive appearance since March 2024.
In addition to her singles success, Venus is renowned for her doubles dominance, having won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles alongside her sister, Serena Williams.
Her latest win adds another milestone to an already storied career spanning nearly three decades.
