Tennis

Washington Open: Venus Williams, 45, Becomes Second Oldest Woman To Win Singles Match

Venus Williams became the second-oldest woman after Martina Navratilova to win a tour-level singles match in professional tennis, delivering some of her familiar big serves and groundstrokes at age 45 while beating Peyton Stearns — 22 years her junior — by a 6-3, 6-4 score at the Washington Open on Wednesday (July 23, 2025 as per India time). Navratilova's last triumph came at 47 in 2004. The former No. 1-ranked Williams had not played singles in an official match since March 2024 in Miami, missing time while having surgery to remove uterine fibroids. She hadn't won in singles since August 2023 in Cincinnati.

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Washington tennis: Citi Open tennis tournament Venus Williams vs Peyton Stearns_1
Washington Open 2025: Venus Williams vs Peyton Stearns | Photo: AP/Nick Wass

Venus Williams waves to the crowd as she celebrates her win over Peyton Stearns during a match at the Citi Open tennis tournament in Washington.

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Washington Open 2025: Venus Williams vs Peyton Stearns | Photo: AP/Nick Wass

Venus Williams speaks during an interview after her win over Peyton Stearns after a match at the Citi Open tennis tournament in Washington.

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Washington Open 2025: Venus Williams vs Peyton Stearns | Photo: AP/Nick Wass

Venus Williams celebrates her win over Peyton Stearns during a match at the Citi Open tennis tournament in Washington.

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Washington Open 2025: Venus Williams vs Peyton Stearns | Photo: AP/Nick Wass

Peyton Stearns returns the ball against Venus Williams during a match at the Citi Open tennis tournament in Washington.

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Washington Open 2025: Venus Williams vs Peyton Stearns | Photo: AP/Nick Wass

Peyton Stearns reacts during a match against Venus Williams at the Citi Open tennis tournament in Washington.

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Washington Open 2025: Venus Williams vs Peyton Stearns | Photo: AP/Nick Wass

Venus Williams returns the ball against Peyton Stearns during a match at the Citi Open tennis tournament in Washington.

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Washington Open 2025: Venus Williams vs Peyton Stearns | Photo: AP/Nick Wass

Peyton Stearns returns the ball against Venus Williams during a match at the Citi Open tennis tournament in Washington.

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Washington Open 2025: Venus Williams vs Peyton Stearns | Photo: AP/Nick Wass

Peyton Stearns returns the ball against Venus Williams during a match at the Citi Open tennis tournament in Washington.

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Washington Open 2025: Venus Williams vs Peyton Stearns | Photo: AP/Nick Wass

Venus Williams walks on the court before a match against Peyton Stearns at the Citi Open tennis tournament in Washington.

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