Now 45 years old, Venus Williams surprised the tennis world in 2025 by returning to competition after her retirement. She played a handful of tournaments in the United States, including the US Open, where she turned in an impressive doubles performance alongside Leylah Fernandez. Fans were thrilled to see one of the all-time greats back on court.

Venus’ career stands among the greatest in tennis history. She captured 49 WTA singles titles, including seven Grand Slam championships, held the world No. 1 ranking, and claimed 22 doubles titles—14 of them Majors.

Her dominance included five Wimbledon crowns and two US Open titles, along with runner-up finishes at the Australian Open (twice) and Roland Garros. In each of those finals, she faced her sister Serena, who ultimately prevailed.

Venus Williams on the greatest player of all time

When Roger Federer announced his retirement from professional tennis in 2022, Venus Williams didn’t hesitate to share her admiration for the Swiss legend on social media.

The American icon made her stance clear in the never-ending debate over the greatest player of all time — often centered around Federer, Novak Djokovic, and Rafael Nadal. “The greatest of all time. Already miss you,” Venus wrote on Instagram, paying tribute to Federer’s remarkable career.

In a lighthearted tone, she also joked about her sister’s closer connection with the 20-time Grand Slam champion: “A little upset that Serena got to hang out and take more pictures with Roger than I did”.

Serena’s heartfelt message to Federer

Venus, Serena, and Federer belong to the same generation, spending decades competing at the highest level and often sharing the stage at major tournaments around the world. When Federer officially called it a career, Serena delivered a touching farewell message to him.

“I wanted to find the perfect way to say this, as you so eloquently put this game to rest — perfectly done, just like your career,” Serena wrote on Instagram. “I have always looked up to you and admired you. Our paths were always so similar, so much the same. You inspired countless millions — including me — and we will never forget. I applaud you and look forward to all that you do in the future. Welcome to the retirement club. And thank you for being you, @rogerfederer”.

While she is best remembered for her doubles success alongside Argentina’s Paola Suarez, Ruano Pascual also earned singles titles and recorded a memorable victory in 2001 over the then-world No.1 on the WTA Tour.

Born on September 21, 1973, in Madrid, she turned professional in 1992 after a long journey through the junior ranks. In a 2020 interview with El Español, Ruano Pascual reflected on her beginnings: “I did a lot of sports as a child. I started with gymnastics at INEF, but my parents had to take me there and it was far away. Near where I lived there was a tennis club where my brother played, and that’s where I started training and really grew to like the sport. But I also practiced judo, handball… I loved doing sports”.

A notable singles career

The early years on tour were largely about adapting to the demands of professional tennis, but by 1997 Virginia Ruano Pascual captured her first WTA singles title in Cardiff.

She followed it up the next year with another title in Budapest, while her third and final singles crown came in Tashkent in 2005. Her career-high singles ranking was No. 28, achieved in 1999.

At Grand Slams, Ruano Pascual produced some memorable runs. She reached the quarterfinals at Roland Garros in 1995 and at the Australian Open, while her most famous singles win came at Wimbledon in 2001, when she stunned then-world No.1 Martina Hingis in the opening round.

A brilliant doubles career

Alongside her singles achievements, Virginia Ruano Pascual built an outstanding doubles career, most notably partnering with Argentina’s Paola Suarez. Together, they captured an incredible 10 Grand Slam titles and dominated the women’s game, holding the No.1 doubles ranking between 2003 and 2005. She also added a mixed doubles crown at Roland Garros in 2001 with compatriot Tomas Carbonell.

On the Olympic stage, Ruano Pascual earned two silver medals: the first with Conchita Martinez in Athens 2004, and the second with Anabel Medina Garrigues in Beijing 2008. Without question, her doubles legacy is what defines her as one of Spain’s most accomplished players.

The day she took aim at Venus and Serena Williams

In 2010, as she announced her retirement, Virginia Ruano Pascual sparked headlines with candid remarks about Serena and Venus Williams during an interview with Eurosport. She acknowledged the sisters’ impact on the game but also argued they had, in some ways, hurt women’s tennis.

“Women’s tennis is going through a slump, one we saw coming but didn’t prevent, and now we’re paying the price,” Ruano Pascual said. “The Williams sisters helped tennis evolve in one way, but they also damaged it a bit. If after becoming No.1 you use it as a springboard to become a model or an actress… if you’re a tennis player, you’re a tennis player”.

Life after tennis

Since hanging up her racquet, Ruano Pascual has remained closely tied to the sport. She works as a television commentator and also serves as tournament director of the El Espinar event in her native Spain, continuing her influence off the court.

The debut episode drops Wednesday, September 17, recorded at the historic Arthur Ashe Stadium, the iconic home of the US Open. According to the AP, the podcast will be distributed exclusively on X (formerly Twitter), with new episodes releasing every two weeks.

In a statement shared on the platform, the sisters said the first episode would include exclusive content, covering everything from their intense on-court rivalry to their Grand Slam triumphs and life reflections.

“We’re so excited to launch our first episode at the iconic Arthur Ashe Stadium,” Serena and Venus said on X. “This place holds so many meaningful memories for us and is the perfect spot for the debut. We look forward to connecting directly with lifelong fans and welcoming new listeners in a unique and authentic way”.

Serena, winner of 23 Grand Slam singles titles and 73 career trophies, added that the podcast goes beyond tennis. “The world is ready for the real conversations Venus and I will have on this podcast. Don’t worry, it’s not just about tennis — it’s our unfiltered truth,” she explained.

This marks the sisters’ first joint venture outside the sport. Serena stepped back from competitive tennis in 2022, while Venus returned to professional play this year, competing in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles at the US Open. Now, the Williams sisters are teaming up again — this time, trading rackets for microphones.

Venus and Serena’s rivalry and doubles legacy

Both sisters reached world No. 1 in singles, the only sisters to do so. Venus first claimed the top spot in February 2002 (11 weeks), while Serena held No. 1 for 316 weeks, starting in July 2002.

From the 2002 French Open through the 2003 Australian Open, the Williams sisters became the only women in the Open Era to meet in four consecutive Grand Slam finals, all won by Serena.

Despite their singles rivalry, the sisters formed one of the most successful doubles teams in tennis history, winning 22 titles, including 14 Grand Slam doubles crowns and three Olympic gold medals.

When Venus steps onto the main court, she will mark her extraordinary 94th main-draw appearance at a Grand Slam event, setting an Open Era record for both female and male players. Additionally, she will become the oldest woman to compete at the US Open in over 40 years, adding another feather to her already illustrious cap.

Speculation is rife about her upcoming performance against Czech player Karolina Muchova, especially after such a lengthy hiatus from Grand Slam tournaments. Social media is abuzz with commentary on her much-anticipated return to the US Open stage.

Venus, the younger of the legendary Williams sisters, is preparing for this pivotal match with an eye towards rejuvenating her stellar career, one that has already left a giant mark on the professional WTA circuit.

Top 5 players with the most main-draw appearances at a major

Leading the list is Venus, who continues to fortify her legacy in tennis history. Her sister Serena Williams trails close behind but fell short of the record by more than 10 matches.

Here is the full list:

1. Venus Williams: 94 appearances (including the 2025 US Open first round)
2. Serena Williams: 81 appearances
3. Alize Cornet: 72 appearances
4. Svetlana Kuznetsova: 71 appearances
5. Amy Frazier: 71 appearances

Venus Williams’ reflections on her US Open comeback

As Venus Williams gears up for her 25th US Open, exactly 28 years after her debut, fans are eagerly anticipating her Monday night matchup. Reflecting on her return, Venus shared her thoughts and aspirations going forward.

“I want to be my best, and that’s the expectation I have for myself, to get the best out of me. That’s all any player can ask for,” Williams said. “I haven’t played as much as the other players, so it’s a different challenge when you’re dealing with that. So I’m just trying to have fun, stay relaxed, and be my personal best.”

[Watch Venus Williams vs Karolina Muchova live in the USA on Fubo]

Venus Williams is set to make a headline-grabbing return at the US Open, stepping onto the court at age 45 for her 25th appearance in the tournament. Once a fixture at the top of the world rankings, the American icon now faces a formidable first-round test against Top 15 player Karolina Muchova.

Williams, one of the most recognizable names in U.S. tennis, is eager to show she can still compete in front of a supportive home crowd, while Muchova enters looking to assert her form and advance deeper into the draw.

When will the Venus Williams vs Karolina Muchova match be played?

Venus Williams faces Karolina Muchova in the 2025 US Open first round this Monday, August 25th. The action will start at 7:00 PM (ET).

Venus Williams vs Karolina Muchova: Time by State in the USA

ET: 7:00 PM
CT: 6:00 PM
MT: 5:00 PM
PT: 4:00 PM

How to watch Venus Williams vs Karolina Muchova in the USA

Don’t miss this electrifying 2025 US Open clash between Venus Williams and Karolina Muchova live on Fubo. Other options: ESPN, ESPN+

Williams will aim to reach the second round for the first time in four years, having last done so at Wimbledon 2021. Since then, she has played in three major tournaments and was eliminated in the first round each time. A historic player returns to the court.

The seven-time Grand Slam champion and former world No. 1 confirmed a return that will be historic. Despite her age, Williams will not be the oldest player to compete in the US Open, as another record surpasses hers, which may come as a surprise.

Who is the oldest player to compete in the US Open?

The oldest player to compete in the US Open was Renée Richards, who played at 47, two years older than Venus. Richards participated in the 1981 tournament, where she was eliminated in the first round of the women’s singles main draw. She lost to American Andrea Leand with scores of 6-4, 2-6, 7-5.

Venus Williams’ activity in 2025

In 2025, Williams competed at the Washington Open, exiting in the second round after losing 6-2, 6-2 to Magdalena Frech. Her most recent appearance was at the Cincinnati Open, where she was eliminated in the first round by Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro.

Her appearance in Washington was her first in 16 months, during which she won a match against fellow American Peyton Stearns. This victory made Williams the oldest player to win a WTA Tour singles match in over 21 years.

Her career, spanning from 1994 to 2017 (with the latter years focused mainly on doubles), was filled with both tremendous success and significant controversy. Hingis, a prodigious talent from a young age, faced immense pressure that sometimes led to off-court struggles.

Among the controversies were injuries, a doping suspension for cocaine, and several controversial statements — notably, her 2001 comments in Time magazine about the Williams sisters, Serena and Venus, who were just beginning to dominate the women’s game at the time.

Hingis’ controversial remarks about the Williams sisters

In the 2001 Time interview, already a multiple Grand Slam champion, Hingis was asked about the dominant American players of the moment, Serena and Venus Williams.

“Being black only helps them. They often get sponsors because they are black. They have had many advantages because they can always say: It’s racism. They can always turn around and say: Things happen because of our color,” Hingis stated in 2001.

Serena Williams’ response and Hingis’ apology

Shortly after, Serena Williams responded, firmly establishing her stance. “Getting bigger sponsorships just for being black? I don’t know anything about that. All I know is that I get my sponsorships because I work hard. Because I win. Because I approach this with a good attitude and a smile,” Serena explained.

“I think in sports that are predominantly white, when people see new faces — like Tiger Woods in golf, or maybe a Hispanic star or a Black player in hockey — it raises more attention,” she added.

Later, Hingis offered words of apology: “I’m sorry if I hurt anyone’s feelings, but at the time that’s what I wanted to say. I was right then. It wasn’t against anyone, I just said something that is not politically correct”.

Head-to-head battles between Hingis and the Williams sisters

Throughout their careers, Hingis and Serena Williams faced each other 13 times, with Serena narrowly leading the rivalry 7-6. Their most notable clash was Serena’s victory over Hingis in the 1999 US Open final. Against Venus Williams, Hingis played 21 matches, winning 11 and losing 10.

The remarkable career of Martina Hingis

Hingis defined an era in women’s tennis. She burst onto the scene at a young age, winning the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and the US Open in singles in 1997, and reaching the French Open final that year.

She won a total of five Grand Slam singles titles, 13 women’s doubles titles, and seven mixed doubles titles — totaling 25 Grand Slams. She also became the youngest-ever World No. 1 at just 16 years and 182 days—an unbeaten record.

Injuries forced Hingis off the court from 2002 to 2006, but she made a comeback, primarily focusing on doubles until her retirement in 2017. She reached No. 1 in both singles and doubles, cementing her legacy as one of tennis’ all-time greats.

The 2025 US Open mixed doubles tournament has added another big name to its entry list: Venus Williams, who will continue her professional comeback. The former World No. 1 will team up with fellow American Reilly Opelka, the U.S. Tennis Association announced Tuesday.

After spending more than a year away from competition, Williams returned to the WTA Tour last week at the DC Open. She defeated Peyton Stearns in the round of 32, becoming the oldest woman (age 45) to win a WTA Tour-level match since Martina Navratilova in 2004. She then lost to Magdalena Frech, 6-2, 6-2, in the round of 16.

She also secured a doubles win alongside Hailey Baptiste. Now, the two-time US Open singles champion will partner with Opelka, 27, who has been ranked as high as No. 17 in the world.

Williams and Opelka join a star-studded entry list

The USTA has revamped the mixed doubles event, increasing the prize money and adjusting the schedule to avoid conflicts with singles matches, in an effort to attract top-tier players. The event will take place over two days—August 19 and 20—the week before the singles tournament begins.

Eight teams have received direct entry based on singles rankings. Six of them were previously announced, but there have been updates since the preliminary list was released.

Aryna Sabalenka and Grigor Dimitrov were forced to retire as the Bulgarian star is leading with an injury. Meanwhile, the all-Italian duo Jasmine Paolini and Lorenzo Musetti are not longer participating.

Amanda Anisimova and Holger Rune have now formed a team to complete the direct entries. Meanwhile, Jack Draper and Paula Badosa are a new pairing, after both switched partners.

Draper was initially set to play with Zheng Qinwen, who recently underwent elbow surgery, while Badosa was originally paired with Stefanos Tsitsipas—however, the two have reportedly ended their relationship.

List of teams for the US Open mixed doubles

Confirmed teams include:

• Emma Navarro and Jannik Sinner
• Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud
• Elena Rybakina and Taylor Fritz
• Jessica Pegula and Tommy Paul
• Belinda Bencic and Alexander Zverev
• Mirra Andreeva and Daniil Medvedev

Wildcards have been awarded to:

• Madison Keys and Frances Tiafoe
• Olga Danilovic and Novak Djokovic
• Emma Raducanu and Carlos Alcaraz
• Taylor Townsend and Ben Shelton
• Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori

Venus was the first to make her professional debut in 1994, followed by her younger sister a year later. Since then, no other duo in women’s tennis has matched their level of influence and success. Throughout her career, Venus has secured 49 singles titles, including seven Grand Slams, and claimed 14 Grand Slam doubles titles alongside Serena.

Recently, Venus reinforced her legacy by returning to the court at the age of 45, competing in Washington where she reached the singles round of 16 and the doubles quarterfinals.

Her on-court success is mirrored in her earnings, having amassed $46 million in prize money, according to Hologic WTA Tour statistics. This ranks her as the second highest-earning female player in history, only behind none other than her sister, Serena.

How much has Serena earned in her entire career?

Serena Wiliams earned $94.5 million in career prize money, more than double Venus’s total. With an outstanding career, Serena showed the world what it means to become one of the greatest tennis players in history, and her combination of talent and expertise were the beginning of her empire.

Serena’s influence extends far beyond the tennis court. With a globally recognized brand image, she has secured partnerships that have solidified her presence in the business world. Forbes estimated her net worth at $260 million in 2022, a figure poised to grow should rumors of a potential return materialize.

Serena’s career in titles

Serena Williams, with 23 Grand Slam singles titles, the highest in the Open Era, alongside 73 singles titles, 23 doubles titles, and two mixed doubles titles, has dominated the circuit for years.

Serena’s profound impact on the WTA circuit has paved the way for future generations of professional tennis players. As an idol and an icon, Williams delivered some of the most outstanding performances in tennis history, achievements that will resonate throughout the sport for years to come.

After more than a year away from competition, Venus Williams is returning to the court, having accepted a wild-card entry into the Citi DC Open. This marks her official return to professional singles competition after a 16-month hiatus. During a media session ahead of the tournament, she not only addressed her own comeback but also shared insights into her sister Serena Williams’ future.

“I always tell my team: ‘It’d be perfect if she were here,’” Venus said, according to the Associated Press. “We did everything together. Of course I miss her.” The sisters’ decades-long partnership has been one of the most iconic in tennis history.

While Serena has not competed since the 2022 US Open, Venus talked about she and her sister keep training together. “She can stop for months and still hit the ball clean,” Venus said. “That kind of skill can’t be taught.”

Venus remained reserved about her sister’s plans, saying, “If she decides to come back, I’m sure she’ll tell you herself.” However, Venus said that she doesn’t “ask her what her plans are. We’ve always hit together because that’s who we are.”

Venus’ awaited return

Venus Williams last appeared on the WTA Tour in March 2024, where she was defeated in the first round of the Miami Open by Diana Shnaider. Her most recent singles victory came in 2023, when she beat Veronika Kudermetova at the Cincinnati Open.

Now 45 years old, Williams is unranked and listed as “inactive” on the official WTA website. Despite the challenges of maintaining a professional career over decades, she credits her support system for her continued motivation. “I believe in love and the people around me—my family, my friends,” Venus told reporters. “They’re the ones who lift you up when things are tough, and also help you stay balanced when everything’s going well.”

Venus is scheduled to play her first WTA singles match since March 2024, taking on Peyton Stearns in the opening round. She will also participate in doubles alongside local talent and tour-level champion Hailey Baptiste.

For much of the 20th and early 21st century, American tennis players were dominant forces at Wimbledon. From the elegant serve-and-volley brilliance of Pete Sampras to the powerful baseline mastery of Serena Williams, the United States has produced some of the tournament’s greatest champions.

During this era, it was common to see Americans deep into the second week, often contesting finals across all disciplines. Legends like Venus Williams, Andre Agassi, the Bryan brothers, and Martina Navratilova (after becoming a U.S. citizen) kept American tennis at the forefront.

However, recent years have seen fewer American names etched into the winner’s circle. Here’s a look at the last Americans to win Wimbledon titles in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles, as well as the last finalists.

Who was the last American woman to win Wimbledon singles?

Serena Williams was the last American—male or female—to win a Wimbledon singles title, doing so in 2016. She defeated Angelique Kerber 7–5, 6–3 to claim her seventh Wimbledon trophy and tie Steffi Graf’s Open Era record of 22 Grand Slam singles titles.

Serena again holds this distinction, having reached the final in 2019. She faced Simona Halep in a match that many expected her to win, but Halep played near-flawless tennis to claim the title in straight sets.

Who was the last American man to win Wimbledon singles?

The last American man to win the Wimbledon singles title was Pete Sampras in 2000. He defeated Australian star Patrick Rafter in four sets, capturing his seventh Wimbledon crown and 13th Grand Slam overall.

Since Sampras, only Andy Roddick has returned to the Wimbledon men’s final. In 2009, Roddick faced Roger Federer in what would become one of the most dramatic Grand Slam finals in history. Despite playing arguably the best match of his career, Roddick lost in five sets, 16–14 in the fifth.

Who were the last American men to win Wimbledon doubles?

In 2018, Jack Sock and Mike Bryan became the last American men to win Wimbledon in doubles. With Bob Bryan sidelined due to injury, Mike teamed up with Sock to win an intense five-set final against Raven Klaasen and Michael Venus. They are also the last American duo to reach a final.

Who were the last American women to win Wimbledon doubles?

The last all-American duo to win women’s Wimbledon doubles were Venus and Serena Williams who captured their sixth Wimbledon women’s doubles title in 2016, defeating Timea Babos and Yaroslava Shvedova. That 2016 win came just hours after Serena had secured the singles title—a historic day for both players.

Meanwhile, Taylor Townsend partnered with Czech Katerina Siniakova to win the title in 2024, defeating Gabriela Dabrowski and Erin Routfille in two sets in the final.

Who is the last American to win in mixed doubles?

Meanwhile, the last American to win the Wimbledon mixed doubles title was Desirae Krawczyk, who teamed up with Neal Skupski (British) to claim the championship on July 7,  2022, defeating Matthew Ebden and Samantha Stosur 6–4, 6–3. She is also the last to reach the final in the category.