Sports
Venus Williams Returns to US Open for Record 25th Appearance

Flushing Meadows, NY — Venus Williams is set to make her 25th main-draw appearance at the US Open, a remarkable achievement that underscores her longstanding legacy in tennis. The match begins shortly after the players complete their warm-ups, with Williams facing the 11th seed, Karolína Muchová.
At 45 years old, Williams, who is currently ranked outside the top 600, continues to be a popular figure in the sport. She first claimed the US Open title in 2000 and has amassed seven Grand Slam singles titles throughout her career. The legendary athlete stepped onto Arthur Ashe Stadium, dressed in an all-white kit, and is poised to serve first after winning the coin toss.
Despite her current ranking, Williams’s competitive spirit remains undiminished. This will be her third tournament since her participation in Miami last year, following competitive efforts in Washington, D.C., and Cincinnati. Williams last faced a top-20 opponent in 2023, resulting in a victory over world No. 16 Veronika Kudermetova.
Her opponent, Muchová, ranked No. 13 in the world, has demonstrated impressive skills on the court. The 29-year-old Czech player won their previous match-up during the 2020 US Open and has since established herself as a formidable competitor, reaching the semi-finals at this tournament in both 2023 and 2024.
Muchová’s trajectory has been impressive; just one year ago, she was ranked No. 52, but she now seeks to break into the top 10. She boasts a solid first-round record in major tournaments, with 15 wins against 9 losses, and a favorable 5-2 record at the US Open.
The atmosphere at the stadium this evening is notable, with fans still entering from the fountain plaza as the match is about to commence. Both players have warm reception, adding to the excitement of this highly anticipated first-round clash.
As the match unfolds, all eyes will be on Venus Williams, whose continued participation in the US Open highlights her indelible mark on the sport.