Venus Williams made a remarkable return to professional tennis by partnering with Hailey Baptiste to secure a convincing 6-3, 6-1 doubles victory over Eugenie Bouchard and Clervie Ngounoue at the Citi Open in Washington. This win marked Williams’ first competitive match since her last singles appearance at the 2024 Miami Open in March, where she was defeated in straight sets by Diana Shnaider. The 45-year-old, a seven-time Grand Slam champion, entered the event after receiving a wildcard into the tournament.
Inspiration and Momentum Behind Williams’ Comeback
Williams has shared that a recent visit to Wimbledon—where she previously won five singles and six doubles titles—rekindled her passion for the game and encouraged her to return to competitive play. During their doubles match, Williams and Baptiste displayed exceptional teamwork, winning 11 of the final 12 games after being down 3-1 in the first set, demonstrating resilience and sharp performance.
Regarding her mindset, Williams explained,
“My personal goal is to have fun I think right now, and enjoy the moment, not put too much pressure on myself,”
and added,
“Of course, I love winning. I want to win. But more than anything, I just want to get the best out of myself. If I can do that, then I’ll be fine.”
—Venus Williams, Tennis Player
Upcoming Singles Match and Future Plans
Williams is also participating in the singles draw, where she is scheduled to face Peyton Stearns, a 23-year-old American ranked No. 35. Stearns, who earned fame for winning NCAA singles and team championships while at the University of Texas, presents a significant challenge as Williams continues to test her form in the singles competition.
While Williams has not ruled out a permanent return to professional tennis, she emphasized the importance of managing the mental and physical demands of her comeback. She is prioritizing regaining her powerful style of play and regaining her competitive edge over making long-term commitments at this stage.
Context of the Mubadala Citi DC Open and Recent Champions
The Citi Open runs from July 19 to July 27, starting with qualifying rounds on the weekend, followed by the main draw beginning Monday, July 21, and culminating in the singles finals on Sunday, July 27. As part of the Washington tennis calendar, the tournament attracts top players from both ATP and WTA Tours and offers exposure through broadcasters such as Sky Sports.
Last year’s men’s champion was Sebastian Korda, who defeated Flavio Cobolli in three sets, becoming the first American man since Andy Roddick in 2007 to win the Washington title. His victory also mirrored a family legacy, as his father Petr Korda won the tournament in 1992. On the women’s side, Paula Badosa captured the last title but will be absent from this year’s competition due to a back injury.
Broadcast and Streaming Access for Tennis Fans
Tennis enthusiasts can watch the Mubadala Citi DC Open and other major events such as the US Open live on Sky Sports or stream via the NOW platform. Sky Sports offers expanded live sports coverage in 2025 at no additional cost to customers, ensuring access to an extensive range of tennis matches and highlights throughout the season.
The Significance of Williams’ Return and Hailey Baptiste Doubles Victory
Venus Williams’ successful doubles return alongside Hailey Baptiste highlights a promising chapter in her ongoing tennis journey, blending experience with emerging talent. The victory not only boosts Baptiste’s profile but also demonstrates Williams’ enduring competitiveness despite a lengthy absence. This triumphant outing may signal further appearances as she continues to navigate the physical and psychological aspects of her comeback. Fans and analysts alike will watch her upcoming matches with keen interest to see how far her return can extend on the professional stage.