• Venus Williams wins her first singles match since August 2023 at age 45.
• She became the second-oldest woman to win a tour-level singles match.
• Williams defeated 23-year-old Peyton Stearns 6-3, 6-4 at the DC Open.
• Earlier, she returned to tour play by winning a doubles match with Hailey Baptiste.
• This victory marks her 819th career WTA singles win.

Venus Williams made an impressive comeback to the professional tennis scene, defeating fellow American Peyton Stearns 6-3, 6-4 at the DC Open. This match marks her first singles victory in nearly two years, as she had not competed in a singles match since the Miami Open in March 2024. Williams, now 45, became the second-oldest woman in history to win a tour-level singles match, following Martina Navratilova, who was 47 when she won at Wimbledon in 2004, according to Reuters, CBS News, HuffPost, and Le Monde.

Williams' performance was marked by powerful serves and groundstrokes reminiscent of her past successes, and it came after a challenging period that included surgery for uterine fibroids. This victory was emotionally significant for Williams, who had experienced a long hiatus and was supported by a cheering crowd that filled the arena, reflecting her enduring popularity. "It’s so rewarding to come back after a layoff and injuries," she said, emphasizing her dedication to the sport and her fans, according to CBS News, HuffPost, and Le Monde.

Earlier in the tournament, Williams made her return to tour competition by winning a doubles match alongside partner Hailey Baptiste, defeating Eugenie Bouchard and Clervie Ngounoue. Williams noted, "It's not easy to come back after all that time and play the perfect match," reflecting on the challenges faced after such a significant break, according to Reuters and HuffPost.

Moving forward in the tournament, Williams is set to face No. 5 seed Magdalena Frech in the second round, adding excitement to her return. This comeback marks her 819th career WTA singles win and revitalizes her legacy within the sport, as she continues to compete against significantly younger opponents. Williams' victory serves not only as a personal achievement but also as an inspiration for many in the sporting world, as she symbolizes persistence and resilience in the face of challenges, as noted by CBS News, HuffPost, and Le Monde.