Venus Williams, at the age of 45 and after a 16-month break, returned to the court and became the second-oldest woman to win a tour-level singles match in professional tennis. She achieved this feat in the first round of the Mubadala Citi DC Open.
Williams, a seven-time Grand Slam champion, defeated world No. 35 Peyton Stearns, 6-3, 6-4. Williams’ last singles victory came in Cincinnati in 2023, when she beat then-No. 16 Veronika Kudermetova.
“It doesn’t matter how many times you fall down. Doesn’t matter how many times you get sick or get hurt or whatever it is,” Williams shared with WTA Tennis. “If you continue to believe and put in the work, there is an opportunity, there is space for you.”
Williams will be back on the court Tuesday in doubles and Wednesday for singles. Here is how to watch:
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When does Venus Williams play next?
Venus Williams will compete in the women’s doubles quarterfinal match at the Citi DC Open. She will team up with her partner, Hailey Baptiste, to face Taylor Townsend and Zhang Shuai. The match is scheduled to take place on the John A. Harris Grandstand Court at 1 p.m. ET on Wednesday, July 23.
In the women’s singles bracket, Williams will compete against world No. 24 Magdalena Fręch in the round of 16 on Thursday, July 24.
How to watch the Mubadala Citi DC Open
The Tennis Channel exclusively broadcasts the Mubadala Citi DC Open and offers 24/7 coverage. Coverage begins with the first match of each day. Fans can also stream matches on the Tennis Channel App.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: When does Venus Williams play? How to watch tennis star at DC Open
