At the DC Open on Monday, Venus Williams made a notable return to competitive play after more than a year away, marking her first doubles appearance in nearly three years. During her opening serve, a powerful delivery was nullified following a foot fault call, briefly interrupting the match. The incident prompted amused reactions among the players and spectators, including a few famous figures from the sports world.
Known for her excellence and with 21 major titles across singles and doubles, Williams quickly recovered from the setback. Teaming up with Hailey Baptiste, the duo exhibited determined play and secured a commanding 6-3, 6-1 victory over their rivals, Eugenie Bouchard and Clervie Ngounoue. The match attracted considerable attention from the crowd, with every point showcasing the veteran’s strong performance and technical skill.
Williams later reflected on her return during the tournament, noting a substantial change in her circumstances compared to a year ago. She explained that her season now is entirely different from when she was focused on recovery from surgery to remove uterine fibroids. Being back on the court provided her with the opportunity to train and compete freely, a shift that reinforced her love for the game. The athlete, whose previous tournament appearance was at the Miami Open in March 2024, stated that her main goals in Washington were to enjoy playing and to secure wins.
Today's performance marks a key milestone, earning admiration from devoted supporters.
