Venus Williams, 45, surprised tennis enthusiasts on Tuesday by defeating 23-year-old Peyton Stearns with a 6-3, 6-4 victory in the first round of the Mubadala Citi DC Open held in Washington. Her win marked a significant milestone, making her the second-oldest woman to claim a tour-level singles match, following Martina Navratilova’s 2004 Wimbledon win at age 47.
It was Williams’ first singles triumph in almost two years after recovering from surgery for uterine fibroids. Throughout the contest, she exhibited impressive stamina and skill, delivering serves exceeding 112 mph while captivating the enthusiastic Washington crowd eager to witness her return to competitive tennis.
Coco Gauff Honors Williams’ Historic Achievement
Rising American tennis star Coco Gauff acknowledged Williams’ inspiring comeback on social media platform X, offering a heartfelt and simple tribute: venus. Gauff’s praise highlights the respect and admiration Williams continues to inspire within the tennis community.
Williams Shares Challenges Faced Before the Tournament
Williams opened up about the mental hurdles she encountered while preparing for the tournament, describing a fluctuating mindset that tested her confidence.
“Each week that I was training, I was, like, ‘Oh, my God, I don’t know if I’m good enough yet,’” —Venus Williams
“And then there would be weeks where I would leap forward… Even the week leading up, [I thought], ‘Oh, my gosh, I need to improve so much more.’ So it’s all a head game.” —Venus Williams
She emphasized the importance of maintaining good health as a foundation for her return.
“I’m just constantly praying for good health, so that way I could have an opportunity to play with good health,” —Venus Williams
“A lot of this for me is being able to come back and try to play at a level [and] to play healthy.” —Venus Williams
The Significance and Future Prospects of Williams’ Win
Williams’ victory not only marks an impressive milestone in her enduring career but also signals her potential to compete at a high level despite past health challenges. This comeback has energized fans and players alike, offering hope for more remarkable performances ahead as she continues to rebuild her presence on the tour.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Coco Gauff a millionaire?
A. Coco Gauff is a teenage multimillionaire. This tennis superstar earns and uses her money in various ways. She became a Grand Slam champion by winning the 2023 US Open. The 19-year-old tennis talent will gain an additional $3 million from this victory in New York City.
Q. Does Coco Gauff have a degree?
A. Congratulations on finishing high school, @CocoGauff! Gauff earned her diploma from the Florida Department of Education after finishing courses at Florida Virtual Flex. At 18, she managed her studies alongside starting a successful tennis career, balancing both over the past four years.
Q. Why is Coco Gauff so rich?
A. Forbes reports that Gauff won an impressive $4,805,000 in prize money at the WTA Final, marking the largest amount ever given at a WTA Tour event. In 2024, she is the highest-earning female athlete, thanks to sponsorships with companies like Naked Juice and Bose.