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Venus Williams picks up WTA award in comeback season after 16-month break

Originally posted on HITC | By Peter Lynch | Last updated Dec 17, 2025 12:13 PM ET

Venus Williams made her return to tennis in the 2025 season, stepping back into the sport after a 16-month absence.

There’s been talk about Serena Williams possibly making her own comeback in 2026, but that still feels like a long shot.

Venus was back on court in Washington DC, where the seven-time Grand Slam champion picked up right where she left off.

In her first match back, the 45-year-old defeated fellow American Peyton Stearns 6-3, 6-4 at a WTA 500 event. The win was a notable moment for Venus as she returned to competitive play after more than a year away from the game.

Venus Williams named WTA 500 Moment of the Year

Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images

She carried that momentum into Cincinnati and the US Open, where she reached the quarterfinals in doubles alongside Leylah Fernandez.

Williams’ return didn’t go unnoticed, with fans voting her comeback as the WTA 500 Moment of the Year.

During her 2025 campaign, Williams finished with a singles record of one win and three losses. In doubles, she picked up four wins from six matches.

The American closed out the season ranked 576th in singles and 148th in doubles. Of course, she’s previously been world number one in both formats.

Coco Gauff joins Venus Williams among WTA 2025 fan award winners

Williams isn’t the only American player to earn a spot on the list of fan award winners. Her fellow countrywoman Coco Gauff was also involved in the Match of the Year award, recognised for her Rome semifinal against Qinwen Zheng.

The two were inseparable for much of that contest, with Gauff eventually emerging victorious 7-6(3), 4-6, 7-6(4) after three hours and 22 minutes.

It was part of a strong season overall for Gauff, who captured her second Grand Slam title at Roland Garros.

And while Gauff looks set to keep building in 2026, Williams could appear at the Australian Open, having already committed to playing the ASB Classic in Auckland just before.

This article first appeared on HITC and was syndicated with permission.

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