Venus Williams makes statement with winning comeback after 16-month layoff

Venus Williams made a triumphant return to competitive tennis on Monday, teaming up with fellow American Hailey Baptiste to win their women’s doubles round of 16 match at the Washington Open. The 45-year-old tennis legend had not been playing for the last 16 months, with her last WTA Tour appearance coming at the Miami Open in March 2023.

Showing little rust, Williams and Baptiste cruised to a 6-3, 6-1 victory over Eugenie Bouchard and Clervie Ngounoue to book a spot in the quarterfinals. After the match, the seven-time Grand Slam singles champion said it felt 'inspiring' to be back on court and competing again.



"It wasn't easy for us but we brought it together quickly as a team. I love this game and still hitting it big," Williams told Sky Sports.


Williams enjoyed partnering with 23-year-old Baptiste so much that she jokingly said she should’ve teamed up with her years ago - rather than with her younger sister Serena, with whom she famously won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles.

"I could see that we were going to be a good team. We just should have started playing earlier, years ago, right?" she said. "I think Serena was just in the way."