Her first match back on the WTA Tour, after a 16-month hiatus, was something between a sporting event and a tent revival.

The 45-year-old had been away from the tour for 16 months before showing up in Washington this week and winning once each in singles and doubles.

This was not a one-stop hello-and-farewell appearance for the 45-year-old Venus Williams, who had been away from the tour for 16 months before showing up in Washington and winning once each in singles and doubles.

Venus Williams is celebrating two major milestones — her first singles win in two years and her engagement to partner Andrea Preti.

Williams could not overcome 27-year-old Magdalena Frech, 6-2, 6-2, in the second round of the tournament on Thursday, July 24. Williams has not won back-to-back matches since 2019. Venus Williams and Hailey Baptiste won their first-round match in doubles play on Monday, but the duo fell short of reaching the third round.

Venus Williams’ bid for her first winning streak since 2019 has ended with a 6-2, 6-2 loss to 24th-ranked Magdalena Frech at the D.C. Open.

Venus Williams' inspiring run at the 2025 Citi DC Open ended Thursday. The legendary tennis player lost to No. 5 seed Magdalena Frech in straight sets, 6-2, 6-2, in the round of 16. Frech will face No. 3 seed Elena Rybakina after defeating Williams in their first career head-to-head matchup.

Venus Williams is officially engaged! The tennis superstar, 45, confirmed she and actor Andrea Preti, 37, are planning to marry in an interview after winning her first singles match in two years at the Mubadala Citi DC Open Tuesday night.

Venus Williams, won her first singles match in more than a year at age 45, has highlighted the phenomenon of older athletes playing at an elite level.

All paths lead to Italy for Venus Williams, who is gearing up to marry her fiancée Andrea Preti this fall in Italy.