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Tennis icon Venus Williams made a dazzling return to competition at the Mubadala Citi DC Open, clinching a dominant victory in the women’s doubles round of 16 after a 16-month break. Partnering with fellow American Hailey Baptiste, the 45-year-old former world number one cruised past Eugenie Bouchard and Clervie Ngounoue 6-3 6-1.
Standing ovation for Venus Williams. pic.twitter.com/kUCSTwogvU
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) July 21, 2025
This marked her first doubles appearance in three years, and her first match overall since the 2024 Miami Open. Her last win came at the Cincinnati Open in August 2023. The crowd erupted with emotion as the unranked Venus stepped onto the John Harris Court. Every seat was filled, with fans cheering loudly and full of excitement. She dropped just four games in her return, sending a strong message to anyone who doubted her competitive spirit.
Venus will begin her singles run against Peyton Stearns on Tuesday, looking to continue her comeback momentum.
Next stop: US Open mixed doubles for Venus
Venus isn’t stopping in Washington, as she’s also set to compete in the 2025 US Open Mixed Doubles Championship. The USTA has released an updated entry list for the reimagined event, which will take place during Fan Week on August 19–20 at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. A total of 25 teams are confirmed so far, with $1 million in prize money being awarded to the winners.
Williams will partner with Reilly Opelka, forming one of the most intriguing teams in the entry list. The final field will include the top eight teams by combined singles ranking as of July 28, with eight wildcards to be announced afterward.
The star-studded entry list for the 2025 US Open Mixed Doubles Championship also features:
Emma Navarro and Jannik SinnerAmanda Anisimova and Holger RuneIga Swiatek and Casper RuudJasmine Paolini and Lorenzo MusettiElena Rybakina and Taylor FritzBelinda Bencic and Alexander ZverevMirra Andreeva and Daniil MedvedevMadison Keys and Frances TiafoeJessica Pegula and Tommy PaulAryna Sabalenka and Grigor DimitrovKarolina Muchova and Andrey RublevOlga Danilovic and Novak DjokovicEmma Raducanu and Carlos AlcarazKatie Boulter and Alex De MinaurDonna Vekic and Hubert HurkaczNaomi Osaka and Nick KyrgiosTaylor Townsend and Ben SheltonIva Jovic and Jenson BrooksbySara Errani and Andrea VavassoriGaby Dabrowski and Felix Auger-AliassimeDemi Schuurs and Tallon GriekspoorKaterina Siniakova and Marcelo ArevaloDesirae Krawczyk and Evan KingSu-Wei Hsieh and Jan Zielinski
