Venus Williams Returns with Doubles Victory at DC Open

Venus Williams marked her long-awaited return to competitive tennis with a victory in the doubles at the WTA and ATP DC Open, following a 16-month absence. The seven-time Grand Slam singles champion, at 45 years old, partnered with American compatriot Hailey Baptiste to defeat Canada’s Eugenie Bouchard and US teen Clervie Ngounoue 6-3, 6-1 in the first round.

Williams, who has faced numerous health issues during her time away from the sport, expressed her thoughts on the match and the significance of her return.

A Different Kind of Challenge

In her first competitive outing since her hiatus, Williams admitted that playing doubles, rather than singles, added an extra challenge to her return.

“After the match, Hailey asked me, ‘How did that feel?’ It’s probably even harder to play the doubles first because I’m not a doubles player,” said Williams. “It’s great to have her to kind of hold the team up. She has had the experience. She served first because she has been playing all year and playing well. I think that helped me a lot.”

While the win was an important one, Williams also noted that it was crucial for her to reacquaint herself with the ball and the rhythm of the game.

“I think also just to get the feel for the ball,” she explained. “Obviously singles I have a little more experience, even though doubles I’ve had some great results. It’s just nice to be able to play. Where I am at this year is so much different from where I was last year. It’s night and day, being able to be here and prepare for the tournament as opposed to preparing for surgery a year ago.”

Focus on Health and Perspective

Williams, who has had to overcome health challenges during her time away from the sport, made it clear that being healthy again was a major victory in itself. She reflected on the difficulties she faced during her extended absence from tennis.

“I just want to be healthy,” Williams said. “You can play all the matches in the world, you can do all the things in the world, but when your health is gone or when your opportunities are being taken away, it just puts a whole new perspective on things.”

“I wasn’t even thinking about tennis at that point,” she continued. “Just wanted to have a successful surgery that I lived through. Tennis is a game, it’s our life, literally our obsession, it’s actually a cult, I think. But at the end of the day, it doesn’t really matter if your health is not there. It definitely put it into perspective for me and maybe made it easier to make the decision to come back out here and maybe play even freer.”

Returning to Singles: A New Chapter

Williams is set to make her return to singles competition on Tuesday in the main court night feature match against fellow American Peyton Stearns.

“It’s so much work,” she said. “I’ve been training for months to get to this moment, and then you train to be prepared to win in this moment, but it’s not a guarantee. You don’t win until that final point is over.”

With around 3,000 spectators in attendance at the match, the atmosphere was electric, with NBA star Kevin Durant, a Washington native, also in the stands. The sight of Durant drew attention, with both Williams and Baptiste remarking on his presence.

“We were both so focused and after the match, I was like, ‘Did you see Kevin Durant walk in?’ She was like, ‘Yeah,’” Williams laughed.

Baptiste, who had been concentrating on the match, admitted that the chanting of “K-D” from the crowd made it difficult to maintain focus but appreciated the support from the famous fan.

“It’s sick that he came out to support us,” Baptiste said. “It’s really cool.”

Williams, on the other hand, was eager to show off for Durant.

“I was like, ‘I want to show KD what I can do. Hit the ball to me,’” Williams said. “They hit every ball to you. I was like, OK, whatever. However we win is fine.”

A Last Meeting with Bouchard

This match was also significant for Eugenie Bouchard, who is set to retire next week in her home country of Canada. For Bouchard, facing off against Williams one last time was a special moment in her career.

“To play against her one last time is fun and special,” Bouchard said. “I was like kudos to you to keep kicking it. She’s 14 years older than me and still plugging away. I have nothing but respect for her. She’s such a legend.”

Williams’ return to competitive tennis is not just about the victories; it’s about the personal triumph of overcoming adversity and the joy of being back on the court. As she gears up for her singles match on Tuesday, the focus will be on continuing her journey and, most importantly, maintaining her health and well-being.

Match Details

The return of Venus Williams is not just a moment for tennis fans but a testament to the resilience and perseverance that makes her a true legend of the sport.