Only time will reveal if the US Open has seen its last appearance from 45-year-old Venus Williams. The American tennis legend showed grit and flashes of her trademark power during a hard-fought opening-round defeat to Czech 11th seed Karolina Muchova, raising hope that she may not yet be done with the sport.
On an emotional night, Williams chose not to speculate on her future but instead reflected on the resilience it has taken to return to the court. She spoke openly about her battles with serious health challenges, including Sjogren’s syndrome and fibroids, which have affected her career for more than a decade. “Getting back on the court was about giving myself a chance to play more healthy,” Williams said, visibly emotional as her press conference was eventually cut short.
Williams’ performance was far stronger than her one-sided loss to Muchova at the 2020 US Open. This time, her improved movement and powerful serving brought the crowd to life, even though her level faded in the deciding set after limited match play in the past 18 months.
Her return to competition earlier this year had surprised many after she was officially listed as inactive. She received a wildcard for a record 25th US Open appearance, sparking debate about whether her inclusion came at the expense of younger players. However, her display against Muchova silenced critics, proving she could still compete with elite opponents.
For the thousands of fans inside Arthur Ashe Stadium, the match carried special meaning. Some believed it could be their last chance to see Williams play on the New York stage. Supporters like 79-year-old Dorothy Blagmon traveled despite age concerns, simply to witness her childhood hero one more time. “I might never get to see her again,” Blagmon said, describing her admiration for Williams’ longevity and passion for tennis.
Beyond her results, Venus Williams’ influence on the sport is undeniable. She reshaped women’s tennis with her powerful game, inspired generations of athletes, fought for equal prize money, and showed remarkable persistence despite chronic health struggles. Whether or not she continues, her impact will remain permanent.
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