At 45 years old, Venus Williams continues to defy expectations and redefine longevity in professional tennis. Recently, she became the oldest woman to win a WTA Tour match since the legendary Martina Navratilova did so back in 2004—a testament to her enduring talent, perseverance, and deep love for the sport. Her latest run at the Citi Open in Washington, D.C., may not have ended with a title, but her presence and performance on the court captivated fans and reminded the world why she remains such a force on the tour.

Williams started the Citi Open with an impressive victory over Veronika Kudermetova, showcasing the blend of power and finesse that has been her trademark throughout her career. Although her run was halted in the next round by Magdalena Fręch, the experience served as a powerful reminder of Williams’ fighting spirit and the pleasure she finds in competing. She openly expressed her appreciation for the crowd’s support and the vibrant atmosphere of the tournament, sharing on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), “Coming back to DC reminded me just how much this game means to me.” Her passion resonates not only with the fans at the venue but also with tennis enthusiasts around the globe who admire her remarkable resilience.

Venus Williams is no stranger to longevity. Breaking records at this stage of her career is far from accidental; it reflects decades of dedication that began in her childhood alongside her sister Serena Williams. Venus first burst onto the professional scene in the mid-1990s and won her first Grand Slam singles title at Wimbledon in 2000. Throughout the early 2000s, she was a dominant figure on the WTA Tour, winning multiple Grand Slam championships and helping to usher in a new era of power tennis among women. Venus and Serena’s dominance also helped elevate the sport’s visibility worldwide.

Her ability to remain competitive well into her forties is rare in a physically demanding sport like tennis, where many players retire in their early thirties. This longevity is in part due to her commitment to fitness, evolving playing style, and mental toughness—qualities that have helped her navigate injuries and challenges over the years. For example, Williams has battled Sjögren’s syndrome, an autoimmune disease that has affected her stamina and health; yet her determination never waned. This perseverance makes every match she plays a symbol of courage and tenacity.

Looking ahead, Williams is setting her sights on the Cincinnati Masters, a prestigious WTA 1000 event known for drawing the sport’s top talent. She has expressed excitement about returning to the tournament and is using her Citi Open experience as motivation to sharpen her game. “It’s going to be amazing,” she said. “There’s so many learnings from here. I know exactly what I need to work on, where I can improve.” These words highlight the mindset of a true competitor, one who sees every opportunity—win or lose—as a lesson for growth.

The Cincinnati Masters serves as a vital warm-up to the US Open, one of tennis’s four Grand Slam tournaments held every late summer in New York City. In past years, Williams has had deep runs in the US Open, including reaching multiple finals, and her ongoing commitment suggests she still envisions adding to her impressive Grand Slam resume. What makes her story so compelling is not just past glory but the fact that she remains an active contender, capable of challenging younger players and displaying the skills that made her world No. 1 in 2002.

Williams’ success has helped reshape tennis history, breaking barriers for African-American athletes and inspiring a generation of players. Her powerful serve—often clocked among the fastest in the women’s game—and her aggressive net play have been hallmarks that many up-and-coming players seek to emulate. Tennis experts often emphasize the importance of the serve as the most crucial shot in the game, and Venus has historically wielded it as a weapon, serving aces and setting the tone for matches.

More than just her prowess on the court, Venus Williams has become an influential figure off of it. In addition to her athletic accomplishments, she has pursued ventures in fashion, interior design, and business, becoming a true role model for athletes balancing diverse interests. Her advocacy for equal prize money in tennis also leaves a lasting impact on the sport’s landscape.

As Venus Williams trains and prepares for the challenges ahead, fans everywhere eagerly await her next chapter. Regardless of the outcomes, she continues to exemplify that age does not define potential, and with passion and grit, she’ll keep making history—one serve, one volley, and one match at a time.