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.

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.

WASHINGTON — Venus Williams took the Mubadala Citi DC Open by storm.

Venus Williams won her first singles match in more than a year at age 45 and highlighted the phenomenon of older athletes playing at an elite level.

Venus Williams’ recent singles win at the D.C. Open showcased her longevity and brought attention to health coverage for aging athletes following a joking comment she made in an on-court interview.

Venus Williams is back and not done yet. She heads to Cincinnati next, and maybe the US Open

Venus Williams made her return to professional tennis this week after almost 16 months away from the sport - and Bernie Sanders has reacted

After becoming the second-oldest woman to win a tour-level singles match, Williams gave thanks to her fiance, who was in the stands at the DC Open. He is Andrea Preti, who is a Danish-born Italian model and actor, according to the website IMDB.