Venus Williams did herself proud in the Washington Open Ladies Doubles tournament, despite losing a close three-set match in the second round.
The 45-year-old shocked tennis fans with her return to the WTA Tour after 16 months. Venus proceeded to show why she is a seven-time Grand Slam singles champion, winning her opening singles and doubles matches.
After a straight-sets victory in their opening round, Venus and Hailey Baptiste faced the number two seeds in Washington, Taylor Townsend and Zhang Shuai.
Despite their best efforts, the American duo were downed. Zhang and Townsend won the contest 6-4 3-6 10-6.
This is far from the first time Venus has played doubles in her accomplished career. She won 14 Grand Slam titles alongside her sister Serena and has won three Olympic women’s doubles gold medals and one silver medal in mixed doubles.
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In 2022, Venus paired up with Andy Murray’s brother, doubles specialist Jamie Murray. After winning their opening match, the Scotsman was candid about what it was like to play with Venus.
‘When am I going to get the chance to do that?’
After defeating Michael Venus and Alicja Rosolska 6-3 6-7 6-3 in the opening round of Wimbledon 2022, Jamie Murray spoke about his experience of playing with Venus Williams.
Speaking in the post-match press conference, Murray said: “You played great, she hasn’t played for a long time. First match, big court, lot of people. It’s not easy.
Mixed doubles can be awkward as well, how it kind of plays out… I think we did a really good job and it was fun for me like that was what I wanted to get out of it.
“Great experience, play with Venus Williams, when am I going to get the chance to do that? So it was everything it cracked up to be and excited to get another match on Sunday or Monday.”
The pair’s journey ended in the second round, where they lost to Jonny O’Mara and Alicia Barnett in three sets.
The match was incredibly close, with Murray and Williams losing in a third set tiebreak by 18 points to 16.
Venus Williams faces Magdalena Frech in Washington
Fast forward to 2025 and Venus Williams is still battling away at the Washington Open.
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After stunning world number 35 Peyton Stearns in the opening round, the 45-year-old American will face fifth seed Magdalena Frech in the next round. The pair have never played each other before.
In her match against Stearns, Venus served nine aces while winning 67 per cent of her first serve points. She also converted six of her 14 break-point opportunities while putting the pressure on the Stearns second serve. Stearns only won 35 per cent of her second serve points.
If she manages to beat Frech, Venus will face fellow Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina.