'Cannot believe what I just witnessed': Venus Williams shuts down critics to earn first singles win since 2023

Venus Williams was all smiles after recording her first singles win since 2023. (Getty/Scott Taetsch)

Seven-time major singles champion Venus Williams has turned back the clock in style after a 16-month hiatus as she becomes the oldest woman to win a Tour-level match in 21 years.

The 45-year-old accepted a wildcard into the WTA 500 Washington Open main draw, and she put on a show in front of a raucous home crowd to defeat fellow American Peyton Stearns 6-3, 6-4.

By entering the code TFS2025, you will receive 15% off the RRP on all non-sale items when you shop online at www.racquetworld.com.au

Down 3-5 in the second set, Stearns fended off four match points in a 12-minute game, but it wasn't enough.

Williams, a former world No.1, wasn't afraid to take risks and go big at every opportunity, with her courage eventually paying off.

"It is not easy to [come back] after all that time and play the perfect match," Williams, who served nine aces, told former Australian player Rennae Stubbs in her on-court interview.

The tennis legend had recently discovered that she was placed on COBRA benefits — a government scheme that ensures individuals keep their employer-sponsored health insurance for a limited time after job inactivity.

"I had to come back for the insurance because they informed earlier this year I'm on COBRA," she said. "So I was like, 'I've got to get my benefits,' [and] started training.

"You guys know what it's like and let me tell you, I'm always at the doctor so I need this insurance."

Williams is the second-oldest player to win a match on the WTA Tour behind Martina Navratilova in 2004.

She will face fifth-seed Magdalena Fręch for a place in the quarter-finals.

Yesterday, Williams marked her return in the doubles alongside 23-year-old American Hailey Baptiste in a straights sets victory.

After news broke about the tournament's decision to hand Williams a wildcard, the move was met by hefty criticism deemed "disrespectful".

The five-time Wimbledon winner has shot up 9,356 places in the live WTA rankings to world No.643.

AATC – Australasian Academy of Tennis Coaches, Providing Quality Coach Education Globally. Led by Industry Leaders and Tennis Business Owners who understand your journey. 🌏 Learn Locally, Coach Globally 🚀 Start Your Coaching Journey Today. Enrol Now at www.aatc.tennis