Main photo credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Even in Defeat, Venus Williams Gives New York a Final Classic

Originally posted on Last Word On Sports
By Zain Mustafa | Last updated Aug 26, 2025 12:48 AM ET

When Venus Williams announced her comeback to the North American hard-court swing this summer, tennis fans knew they were in for something special. The seven-time Major champion and former world No. 1 had been away from the spotlight for much of the past three seasons. Yet at 45, she wasn’t finished writing her story.

Her first stop was Washington, where she set the tone by defeating Peyton Stearns, a player nearly half her age. She would play a couple more matches, but everyone knew all roads led to New York.

New York, Her Stage

The U.S. Open has always been more than just another tournament for Venus. A two-time champion in New York (2000, 2001) with finals appearances in 1997 and 2002, she returned this year for her record 25th main-draw appearance, an achievement no other player in the Open Era can claim.

One More Battle Under the Lights

Her first-round opponent, 11th seed Karolina Muchova, was a dangerous draw. Known for her blend of creativity and power, the Czech entered the match as a heavy favorite.

Venus began slowly, dropping the first set 6–3. But in true Williams fashion, she roared back in the second, serving big and flattening her groundstrokes to level the match 6–2. For a moment, Ashe Stadium felt transported back in time, the crowd on its feet, roaring for another Williams comeback.

Ultimately, Muchova’s steadiness carried her through 6–1 in the decider. But the scoreline didn’t capture the energy of the night. What New York witnessed was not a routine first-round loss, but a dance of courage and fire.

The Legacy of Venus Williams

If this was her final U.S. Open, Venus Williams leaves behind a legacy that extends well beyond trophies. As a pioneer for equal prize money and a trailblazer who redefined women’s tennis, she inspired generations alongside her sister Serena Williams by elevating the sport’s athleticism and reach, breaking barriers that were once unbreakable.

Even in defeat, her presence on Ashe was a reminder of her elegance and enduring impact. For over 25 years, Venus has been the heartbeat of the U.S. Open. Whenever the day comes, her farewell won’t be defined by scores, but by the spirit she brought and the change she sparked in the game. Yes, the trophies and titles and records are all great, but that is her true legacy.

This article first appeared on Last Word On Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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