Latest News
Venus Williams Shines Despite Defeat in Emotional US Open Comeback
45-year-old American icon, Venus Williams produced a valiant performance in a first-round defeat to Czech 11th seed Karolina Muchova, showing flashes of her trademark power and resilience before fading 6-3, 2-6, 6-1 under the lights on Arthur Ashe Stadium.
While the result may not have gone her way, Williams’ fighting display silenced doubts over whether she still belongs at the top level. The seven-time Grand Slam champion, who has battled a series of health setbacks in recent years, said simply stepping back on court in good condition was already a victory.
“Getting back on the court was about giving myself a chance to play more healthy,” Williams said in an emotional press conference that ended with her in tears. “When you play unhealthy, it’s in your mind. You get stuck in your mind too. So it was nice to be freer.”
Williams has faced enormous challenges since being diagnosed with Sjogren’s syndrome in 2011, a chronic autoimmune disease that causes fatigue and joint pain. Last month she revealed that she has also been dealing with fibroids, which she described as intensely painful.Her latest comeback began earlier this summer when she ended a year-long absence from competition at the Washington Open, where she upset world No. 35 Peyton Stearns. Although defeats followed in Cincinnati and now New York, her performance against Muchova suggested there is still “mileage left in the tank.”
Some critics questioned the decision to hand Williams a wildcard for a record-extending 25th US Open appearance, arguing it denied a younger player an opportunity. But her showing in New York, particularly after a slow start where she lost 11 of the first 13 points answered those doubts.
Once she found rhythm on serve, Williams grew into the contest, striking the ball with the crisp timing and clean power that defined her peak years. The crowd rallied behind her, turning a subdued early atmosphere into waves of applause and roars of encouragement.
Ultimately, the lack of match sharpness after playing just four matches in 18 months proved decisive as Muchova tightened her game in the decider.
Williams, however, was less forthcoming about what comes next. Asked about her plans for the rest of the season, she joked: “Are there any tournaments in the States? Can someone move a tournament here? I don’t know that I’m willing to travel that far at this stage in my career.”
She added: “I love playing. But my goal is to do what I want to do.”
Whether or not this was Williams’ final bow at Flushing Meadows, her resilience, grace, and ability to inspire remain undimmed, a reminder of why she is one of the sport’s enduring greats.
