“Still remarkable,” Venus Williams praised by fans for incredible longevity following her opening round win in Auckland

The 42-year-old's win over Katie Volynets led to a deluge of praise for her longevity


“Still remarkable,” Venus Williams praised by fans for incredible longevity following her opening round win in Auckland

Venus Williams

Venus Williams beat fellow American Katie Volynets 7-6(7) 6-2 at the Auckland Classic on Monday. The 42-year-old started 2023, her 30th season as an active player, with an incredible straight-sets victory. The match was her first tour-level singles win since Wimbledon 2021 and her 816th win overall.

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Playing her first match in four months, Williams came back from behind to win the first-set tiebreak. She then proceeded to win the second set dropping just two games. Williams seemed to be playing in her trademark style. She hit some excellent shots, including a backhand winner that got the crowd roaring. Her shots were powerful, and her movement pointed to better fitness than she has enjoyed in the last few years.

An hour-long rain interruption helped Williams as she turned the first set around after play resumed. Her win over a player half her age was received very well by fans. Racquet Magazine editor Ben Rothenberg tweeted a photo showing Venus Williams after her first win in 1994 alongside a photo of her from Auckland today. The pictures illustrate just how long Williams has been an active player. The tweet prompted awe and surprise amongst fans around the world.

The victory motivated many of her followers, with multiple people calling Williams an “inspiration” in response to the tweet. Another fan replied,” Okay! That’s it! If Venus can win tennis matches then 42-year-old me can drag her ass out for a run.” Many others put her longevity in perspective with anecdotes from their own lives.

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More called her “Queen Vee” and wished her luck with future matches. The ones who watched the game were struck by the level at which Williams is playing. They called her abilities remarkable and iconic. Williams will now face China’s Zhu Lin in the tournament’s second round.

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Venus William’s singles struggles

Venus Williams
Venus Williams

Fans of Venus Williams rejoiced after her victory in Auckland. However, it has not been smooth sailing for the tennis star to this point. She has struggled in singles since the 2021 Wimbledon, going over a year without a win.

Williams was knocked out in the first rounds of all the Grand Slams in 2020. She then won one match at 2021 Australian Open and Wimbledon before crashing out. Williams did not play another Grand Slam until the US Open in 2022 when she was knocked out yet again in the first round.

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Williams looks set to be more active in the singles game now, however. She accepted a wildcard to the 2023 Australian Open alongside the Auckland Classic. Williams will be keen to participate in more tournaments, having only played six the previous year.

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