US Open: Venus Williams steals show despite defeat

Venus Williams gave tennis fans a night to remember in her return to the US Open, showing power, determination, and emotion even though she lost her opening match.

The 45-year-old American legend played against Czech 11th seed Karolina Muchova under the lights at Arthur Ashe Stadium. Williams fought hard but eventually lost 6-3, 2-6, 6-1.

Even in defeat, she showed that she still belongs at the top level. After many years of health struggles, Williams said just being able to play again in good condition was already a victory.

“Getting back on the court was about giving myself a chance to play healthy,” she said with tears in her eyes. “When you play unhealthy, it affects your mind too. Tonight I felt freer.”

Williams has been battling Sjogren’s syndrome, an illness that causes fatigue and joint pain, since 2011. Recently, she also revealed she has been dealing with painful fibroids.

Her comeback started this summer when she returned after a year away from competition. She beat world number 35 Peyton Stearns in Washington before losing in Cincinnati and now New York. Still, her fight against Muchova showed she has more tennis left in her.

Some people had criticized the decision to give Williams a wildcard entry for her record 25th US Open. But her performance silenced those doubts. After a shaky start, she began serving well and hitting the ball with the power that once made her one of the best in the world. The crowd roared in support, turning the atmosphere electric.

In the end, Muchova’s sharpness made the difference, as Williams has played only four matches in the last 18 months.

When asked about her future plans, Williams was unsure. Jokingly, she said: “Are there any tournaments in the States? Can someone move a tournament here? I don’t know that I want to travel far at this stage of my career.”

She added: “I love playing. But my goal is to do what I want to do.”

Whether or not this was her last US Open, Williams reminded everyone why she is one of tennis’s greatest icons—resilient, graceful, and inspiring.