Taking to Instagram, Serena praised Venus with heartfelt words: “Strength, courage, determination, class, perseverance, inspiration… there aren’t enough words to describe how proud I am of you @VenusWilliams. P.S. I hope to be like you,” she wrote alongside several action shots.
Venus, now 45, recently returned to competition after a 16-month break. Granted a wild-card entry, she fought hard in her U.S. Open comeback but ultimately fell in three sets to Karolina Muchova. Just last month, she marked her return with a win at the DC Open.
Despite the loss, Venus remained upbeat in her post-match press conference. She admitted the result wasn’t what she hoped for but said she was proud of her performance. Reflecting on her recovery from surgery to treat uterine fibroids, she shared how she and her team pushed tirelessly, skipping outings and dedicating themselves fully to training.
Though she laughed and joked with reporters, Venus became emotional when asked what she proved to herself. Holding back tears, she said her return was about finally playing while healthy, noting the mental weight of competing through pain. The supportive crowd inside Arthur Ashe Stadium mirrored her joy, with Venus remarking she had never felt so much love from fans.
A seven-time Grand Slam singles champion, Venus holds 49 career titles, including six Wimbledons and two U.S. Opens. Her younger sister Serena, who remains retired, boasts 73 titles and 23 majors. But on this night, the spotlight was on Venus’ resilience, determination, and inspiring return to the sport she has shaped for decades.
