Her first match back on the WTA Tour, after a 16-month hiatus, was something between a sporting event and a tent revival.

Venus Williams is celebrating two major milestones — her first singles win in two years and her engagement to partner Andrea Preti.

Williams could not overcome 27-year-old Magdalena Frech, 6-2, 6-2, in the second round of the tournament on Thursday, July 24. Williams has not won back-to-back matches since 2019. Venus Williams and Hailey Baptiste won their first-round match in doubles play on Monday, but the duo fell short of reaching the third round.

The 45-year-old had been away from the tour for 16 months before showing up in Washington this week and winning once each in singles and doubles.

Venus Williams' inspiring run at the 2025 Citi DC Open ended Thursday. The legendary tennis player lost to No. 5 seed Magdalena Frech in straight sets, 6-2, 6-2, in the round of 16. Frech will face No. 3 seed Elena Rybakina after defeating Williams in their first career head-to-head matchup.

WASHINGTON — Venus Williams took the Mubadala Citi DC Open by storm.

WASHINGTON — When Venus Williams’ bid for her first winning streak since 2019 ended with one last forehand that landed long, the spectators at the D.C. Open’s main stadium gave her a standing ovation. She responded with a smile and the sort of pirouette and wave she usually reserves for celebrating wins.

Venus Williams, won her first singles match in more than a year at age 45, has highlighted the phenomenon of older athletes playing at an elite level.

( NewsNation) — It’s been over a year, and Venus Williams finally confirmed her engagement to actor Andrea Preti after a triumphant tennis return at Wimbledon.

On July 22, following her first singles match in more than a year, Williams revealed that she is engaged to actor and former model Andre Preti. While speaking to WTA following her DC Open singles match, the tennis star, who sported a diamond ring on her left finger, called Preti her fiancé.