Venus Williams made a triumphant comeback to professional tennis at the Citi Open in Washington, D.C., teaming up with Hailey Baptiste for a dominant doubles performance. The pair defeated Eugenie Bouchard and Clervie Ngounoue in straight sets, 6-3, 6-1, thrilling a packed crowd that included NBA star Kevin Durant.
Bouchard Reflects on Facing a Legend
After the match, Eugenie Bouchard expressed deep admiration for Williams, calling the opportunity to play against her “fun and special.” Bouchard, who is 14 years younger than Williams, said she was amazed by the veteran’s longevity and drive. “Kudos to you to keep kicking it,” she said, adding she has “nothing but respect” for the seven-time Grand Slam champion.
A Match of Generations
The doubles contest featured a unique blend of experience and youth. Williams, 45, was playing her first match in over a year and her first doubles match in nearly three. Her partner, Baptiste, 23, brought energy and consistency to the court. On the other side, Bouchard, a former Wimbledon finalist, joined forces with rising American talent Clervie Ngounoue.
Venus Williams’ Road Back
Williams’ return follows a long recovery from fibroid surgery in 2024. She spoke about the challenges of preparing for competition after such a health setback. “Where I am at this year is so much different from where I was last year,” she said, noting how grateful she was to be back on court and able to compete again.
Bouchard Nears Retirement
The Citi Open marked one of the final appearances for Bouchard, who has announced her intention to retire after the Montreal Open next month. Despite the loss, she appeared content to have shared the court with one of the sport’s most iconic figures before closing out her career.
Looking Ahead
Williams and Baptiste advance to the quarterfinals, where they will face either Cristina Bucsa and Nicole Melichar-Martinez or Taylor Townsend and Zhang Shuai. Meanwhile, Williams is also set to compete in singles against Peyton Stearns, continuing her inspiring return to the tour.
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