Venus Williams became the oldest player since Martina Navratilova to win a tour-level singles match at the Citi Open in Washington. The 45-year-old defeated fellow American Peyton Stearns 6-3 6-4 for her first singles victory since August 2023.

Venus Williams, 45, became the oldest player in 21 years to win a WTA Tour match after a straight-set win in the DC Open over Peyton Stearns.

There are plenty of reasons why this particular victory by Venus Williams in this particular tennis match resonates with so many folks. That she’s 45, for one thing.