Venus Williams’ fairytale return to the WTA Tour has warmed the hearts of many tennis fans.
The 45-year-old made her return to the tour after 16 months away, beating compatriot Peyton Stearns in the Washington Open first round.
By doing so, Venus became the oldest winner of a WTA Tour singles match since Martina Navratilova, who won a match at 47 years old.
Since competing in Washington, Venus has played singles at the Cincinnati Open, losing in the first round.
Patrick Mouratoglou, who coached Venus’ sister, Serena, has weighed in on Venus’ return to the sport.
Patrick Mouratoglou says Venus Williams knows how to compete ‘more than anyone’
Speaking on his Instagram, Mouratoglou praised Venus’ movement on the court, noting that the five-time Wimbledon Ladies Singles champion has ‘done really great.’
Mouratoglou said: “Some people will say Venus Williams won the match because the WTA level is low. This is b******t.
“The level is not low. It’s just that Venus is a champion. She’s a huge competitor. She’s been at such a high level for so many years… even though she’s out of competition for 16 months, when she comes back, she knows how to compete, more than anyone.
“Of course when you’re 45 the physical decreases. That’s a big part of the game in tennis. The way she was moving on the court, I think she did really great. She’s moving well. Of course she’s not moving as she was moving when she was 25 but you know, to beat those players? Yeah, she can move.
“I think for the game of tennis to have Venus competing is amazing. Everybody wants to see Venus play and even more at 45, 16 months without playing.
“She’s Venus Williams, so when she goes to the court she has so much expectations. She knows she can win the match and she thinks she should win the match. This level of expectation brings tension and she was able to deal with this tension quite well I think.”
Venus Williams is given a wildcard for the US Open Ladies Singles tournament
There has been much discussion regarding the possibility of Venus being given a wildcard for the US Open Ladies Singles tournament. Recently, former American number one Andy Roddick said he wouldn’t be offended if Venus was given a wildcard.
On Wednesday, the US Open announced its wildcards for the men’s and women’s singles draw, and Venus Williams is included.
This means Venus, who is also playing in the mixed doubles tournament with Reilly Opelka, will play in her first Grand Slam Ladies Singles main draw match since the 2023 US Open.
Other names on the wildcard list include Caty McNally, Caroline Garcia and Talia Gibson.
