At 45 years old, Venus Williams showed once more why she remains a figure of inspiration as she wrapped up her US Open campaign—not with a trophy, but with undeniable flair, toughness, and grace that echoed throughout Flushing Meadows.
Venus returned to tennis earlier this year after a 16-month hiatus and proceeded to defy both age and expectations. In July she clinched a singles match win in Washington, making her the oldest WTA singles match winner since 2004. Her appearance as the oldest woman in the US Open singles main draw since 1981 drew even more attention. At the Open she delivered a hard-fought singles performance, taking 11th seed Karolina Muchova to three sets and wo n over fashion headlines with her tribute to tennis pioneer Althea Gibson.
But it was in doubles—paired with Leylah Fernandez—where she lit up the tournament and sparked excitement from fans and media alike. Together they advanced to the quarter-finals, stirring the crowd’s passion and embodying resilience on the court.
Unfortunately their run ended there. They were bested in straight sets, 6-1, 6-2, by Australian Open champions Taylor Townsend and Katerina Siniakova. The match was over in minutes, a reminder that at this level experience and established partnerships still often prevail.
Yet the way Venus left the stage resonated far more powerfully than the scoreline. She drew a standing ovation from the fans, waved warmly to all sides of the court, and exited with the dignity and poise that has always defined her presence.
Her fashion also stole headlines once again. From a mesh-layered, embellished kit and a custom Pucci dress in doubles, to a chic all-white ensemble inspired by Althea Gibson in singles, Venus reminded us that style and substance can coexist brilliantly on the tennis court.
Taylor Townsend and her partner also made heartfelt remarks. Townsend revealed that Venus was a childhood inspiration, not just for her game but for her bold fashion sense—her iconic Reebok outfit even first drew Townsend to tennis.That echoed how Venus—along with Serena—has shaped the sport’s culture for decades.
Thoughts on her future remain open. She has acknowledged the challenges of traveling and long lay–offs, and while some reports suggest she may limit overseas commitments, she also left the door open for more. She said she intends to continue playing if opportunities arise, particularly in singles, which remains her true passion.
Reflecting on her exit, Venus said, “I saw myself improving so much with every match I was playing,” and used the tournament as feedback for what she hopes to improve going forward.
This was her 25th US Open, with an enduring legacy that spans generations. Whether or not she appears again, the tournament was richer for having witnessed her once more—competing with heart, fashion, and a spirit that refuses to fade.
