Venus Williams' doubles run ends in DC Open quarterfinals

The adventure of Venus Williams in women's doubles at the DC Open has concluded. Partnering with Hailey Baptiste (No. 172), they fell to second seeds Shuai Zhang (No. 15) and Taylor Townsend (No. 2). The all-American duo put up a good fight, managing to push the match to a super tie-break in the third set, but ultimately lost 4-6, 6-3, [6-10], exiting in the quarterfinals of the tournament.

Despite the loss, it was a positive showing for Venus in the doubles event. In her return to the courts, she and Baptiste secured a strong victory against the pair of Clervie Ngounnoue and Eugenie Bouchard (6-3, 6-1).

The first set started with a flurry of action, featuring three consecutive breaks in the first three games, with Townsend/Zhang taking an early 2-1 lead. From that point, both pairs held onto their serves, including a strong performance from Venus Williams when she was serving. After 41 minutes, Townsend and Zhang closed out the set 6-4, taking the lead.

However, the second set saw a strong reaction from Williams and Baptiste. They secured a break in the fourth game and went up 4-1. Although their opponents broke back, narrowing the gap to 4-3, Williams and Baptiste ultimately prevailed, taking the set 6-3 and forcing a super tie-break decider.

Their efforts, however, ultimately proved futile. Townsend and Zhang secured the first two mini-breaks, jumping ahead to 4-0. From there, with greater composure, they held onto their advantage and clinched the victory on their second match point.

Despite the doubles exit, Williams remains in contention in the singles draw after her notable first-round victory over Peyton Stearns. Several voices had criticized the wildcard given to the 45-year-old player, but she proved she still has the level to be competitive, defeating her compatriot, world No. 34, 6-3, 6-4. This marked her first victory since the Cincinnati Open 2023 against Veronika Kudermetova.

"There are no limits for excellence," Williams said after the match. "It's all about what's in your head and how much you're able to put into it. If you put in the work mentally, physically, and emotionally, then you can have the result. It doesn't matter how many times you fall down. Doesn't matter how many times you get sick or get hurt or whatever it is. If you continue to believe and put in the work, there is an opportunity, there is space for you."

With this win, the seven-time Grand Slam champion became the oldest female tennis player to secure a WTA-level victory since Martina Navratilova in 2004, who holds the absolute record at 47 years old. Williams is preparing to return to the court this Thursday against fifth seed Magdalena Frech, seeking a spot in the quarterfinals. The Polish world No. 24 comes off a resounding 6-2, 6-4 victory over Yuliia Starodubtseva and will be confident facing the former No. 1. Williams will look to maintain momentum and continue to make headlines. She is at least guaranteed the support of the public, who have gathered in large numbers to watch Williams' matches—both in singles and doubles—and who surely hope she extends her stay at the DC Open.