Career Legacy and Achievements
Venus Williams has amassed an impressive collection of titles throughout her career spanning over three decades. Her seven Grand Slam singles titles include five Wimbledon championships, where she won in 2000, 2001, 2005, 2007, and 2009. She also captured the US Open in 2000 and 2001, establishing herself as one of the most successful players in tennis history.
Beyond singles, Venus's doubles success is equally remarkable. She has won 14 Grand Slam women's doubles titles, all alongside her sister Serena, and two mixed doubles titles. Additionally, Venus holds five Olympic tennis medals, including gold medals in singles (2000) and women's doubles with Serena (2000, 2008, 2012), plus a silver in mixed doubles (2016). Her career ranking reached No. 1 on February 25, 2002.
Health Challenges and Time Away
Venus's career has been marked by significant health challenges that have impacted her playing schedule. In 2011, she was diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome, an energy-sapping auto-immune disease that can cause joint pain. This diagnosis came during the US Open when she withdrew before her second-round match, forcing her to manage the condition throughout her subsequent career.
More recently, Venus underwent surgery for uterine fibroids, which contributed to her 16-month absence from professional tennis. This extended break represented one of the longest periods away from competition in her career, with her last major tournament appearance occurring at the 2023 US Open. The combination of these health issues made her 2025 return even more remarkable and noteworthy.
The 2025 Comeback: Historic Return at 45
Venus's return to professional tennis in 2025 was historic and inspiring. She made her competitive comeback at the Mubadala Citi DC Open in July, winning her first singles match since 2023. This victory marked the beginning of her return to the professional circuit after her extended hiatus, demonstrating that her competitive fire remained intact despite the time away.
At the US Open in August 2025, Venus achieved another historic milestone by becoming the first 45-year-old to compete in the tournament since 1981. She competed in both singles and doubles events, facing Karolina Muchova in the first round of singles and partnering with Leylah Fernandez in doubles. Though she ultimately exited both competitions, her participation itself was celebrated as an inspiring moment for tennis fans worldwide and a testament to her resilience and determination.