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

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 Personal Announcement After WTA Win originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Sometimes, the scoreboard doesn’t tell the whole story. On Tuesday in D.C., it wasn’t just a win that made Venus Williams happy—it was something, or someone, much bigger.

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.

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, who lost in the second round Thursday at the DC Open in her return to tennis, has never looked happier after a loss.