Venus Williams says she's back on court for health insurance
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The 45-year-old had been away from the tour for 16 months before showing up in Washington this week and winning once each in singles and doubles.
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Her first match back on the WTA Tour, after a 16-month hiatus, was something between a sporting event and a tent revival.
Venus Williams is celebrating two major milestones — her first singles win in two years and her engagement to partner Andrea Preti.
WASHINGTON — When Venus Williams’ bid for her first winning streak since 2019 ended with one last forehand that landed long, the spectators at the D.C. Open’s main stadium gave her a standing ovation. She responded with a smile and the sort of pirouette and wave she usually reserves for celebrating wins.
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There are plenty of reasons why this particular victory by Venus Williams in this particular tennis match resonates with so many folks. That she’s 45, for one thing.
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Williams could not overcome 27-year-old Magdalena Frech, 6-2, 6-2, in the second round of the tournament on Thursday, July 24. Williams has not won back-to-back matches since 2019. Venus Williams and Hailey Baptiste won their first-round match in doubles play on Monday, but the duo fell short of reaching the third round.
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The only older woman to win a tour-level singles match was Martina Navratilova, whose last triumph came at 47 in 2004.
Who Is Venus Williams' Fiancé, Andrea Preti? Meet the Former Model Who Stole the Tennis Star's Heart
On July 22, following her first singles match in more than a year, Williams revealed that she is engaged to actor and former model Andre Preti. While speaking to WTA following her DC Open singles match, the tennis star, who sported a diamond ring on her left finger, called Preti her fiancé.