Venus Williams Wins After 709 Days, Osaka to Face Raducanu in DC Open Blockbuster

Venus Williams scripted a remarkable comeback at the WTA and ATP DC Open, winning her first singles match in nearly two years. The 45-year-old tennis legend defeated American Peyton Stearns 6-3, 6-4, marking her 819th career singles win and becoming the oldest match winner on the WTA Tour since Martina Navratilova at Wimbledon in 2004.

Williams, who had not secured a victory since August 2023, showcased her trademark grit. Despite six match points and a tough 12-minute game near the end, she sealed the deal with a service winner. Up next, Venus faces Poland’s Magdalena Frech in the second round.

“It’s rewarding to come back after injuries,” Venus said, thanking fans and her team for pushing her return.

Osaka vs Raducanu: A Must-Watch Second-Round Clash

Naomi Osaka also made her mark with a 6-2, 7-5 win over Yulia Putintseva. The four-time Grand Slam winner now gears up for a much-anticipated showdown with Emma Raducanu, who beat Marta Kostyuk 7-6(4), 6-4.

This will be the first-ever meeting between Osaka and Raducanu, both former US Open champions. “I’m excited,” said Osaka. “She’s a great player. It’ll be a cool match.”

Raducanu echoed the excitement: “It’s going to be a real test of my game.”

Cameron Norrie Snaps Top-10 Losing Streak

In the ATP draw, Britain’s Cameron Norrie pulled off a major upset by defeating world No. 7 Lorenzo Musetti 3-6, 6-2, 6-3. This was Norrie’s first win over a top-10 opponent in over two years and snapped a 14-match losing streak.

The Wimbledon quarter-finalist credited his aggressive play and renewed mindset for the win. “I’m enjoying my tennis a lot more these days,” said Norrie, who next faces Brandon Nakashima.