Tennis fans were buzzing on Tuesday as Venus Williams made her long-awaited return to the US Open, but the 45-year-old legend’s comeback ended in defeat.
Partnering with Reilly Opelka in the mixed doubles, Williams put up a valiant effort, ultimately falling to Andrey Rublev and Karolina Muchova.
A Hero’s Welcome at Louis Armstrong Stadium
After more than a year away from the court, Williams returned earlier this year at the Citi Open in Washington, D.C., marking her first appearance in Flushing Meadows since 2023.
The crowd at Louis Armstrong Stadium gave her a warm, raucous welcome, cheering as she and Opelka walked onto the court.
Despite the loss, Williams offered glimpses of her former dominance.
The seven-time Grand Slam singles champion faced a tough first set, dropping it 2-4, but rallied in the second set, showing resilience and skill that reminded fans why she remains one of the sport’s icons.
Moments of Brilliance Amid the Struggle
Williams saved key break points at 1-1 and 3-3, thrilling the crowd with an ace past world No. 15 Rublev to force a deuce.
She then set up Opelka, towering at 6-foot-11, for a powerful volley smash at the net, keeping their hopes alive.
For a player who had been listed as “inactive” on the WTA earlier this year, these flashes of greatness were encouraging.
Her serve still clocked around 100mph at times, and her trademark power remained evident despite nearly three decades on the professional circuit.
Challenges of a Long Career
Of course, experience has its limits. At points, Williams looked like a veteran under pressure, with Rublev and Muchova able to outmaneuver her in rallies.
A double fault in the second set sent a ripple through the stadium, and the Americans eventually ran out of gas in the second-set tiebreak, with Williams volleying into the net at a crucial 4-4 moment.
Looking Ahead for Williams
Williams, who received a wild card into the singles competition, is set to become the oldest singles entrant at the US Open since 1981.
Earlier this month, she lost in the first round of the Cincinnati Open but earned a second-round appearance at the Citi Open in July, defeating fellow American Peyton Stearns.
New Format, Big Names, and Early Drama
This year’s US Open features a revamped mixed doubles format: matches are two sets of four games, no-ad scoring in deuces, and a 10-point tiebreak replaces the third set if needed.
The early scheduling of the mixed doubles has attracted stars like Carlos Alcaraz, Taylor Fritz, and Emma Raducanu, though several withdrawals—including Jannik Sinner’s just hours before competition—have shaken up the draw.
While Williams and Opelka didn’t advance, her return reminded fans of her enduring talent and competitive spirit.
With the singles tournament about to kick off, all eyes will be on Venus to see how the legendary American fares in her latest chapter at Flushing Meadows.
