Venus Williams may be 45, but she’s far from done; her racket still sings with fire. After a grueling 16-month break and a serious health scare, the seven-time Grand Slam champ storms back into the spotlight at this week’s DC Open. Her spark reignited during a recent trip to Wimbledon, where memories met motivation. That stirring visit, fused with her deep, unshaken love for the game, pushed her to seize a wildcard into the Washington showdown, the fiery opener of the US Open hardcourt swing. Yet as Venus battles her way back, she stays cagey, as amid Serena Williams’ US Open rumors, Sister Venus shares a cryptic take.

In a stunning twist that rocked the tennis world, Serena Williams sent shockwaves across social media when she dropped an unexpected video on IG a couple of days ago. There she was, back on court. The backhand? Razor-sharp. The forehand? Still packing thunder. The soundtrack? “Still D.R.E.” And her message? Unapologetically defiant: “Still Serena.” 

The post exploded like wildfire, with fans and pundits alike losing their minds. Tennis Letter’s X page nailed the sentiment with a single line: “Serena Williams back on a tennis court. Things you love to see. 🥹👑” As if the fire needed more fuel, big sister Venus now takes center stage at the DC Open, and the whispers of a possible Williams reunion grow louder.

During a recent pre-tournament press conference in Washington, Venus was asked the million-dollar question: could Serena be gearing up for a comeback to join her on tour? The room leaned in. Venus, ever the composed queen, didn’t dodge the query but didn’t fan the flames either. “I don’t ask those questions. I don’t ask her that,” she began. What followed was raw, heartfelt honesty that peeled back layers of their unbreakable bond. “I’m her biggest fan. I never wanted her to retire. I knew she was retiring, and it took me time to come to terms with it. I was like, ‘Why?’ I understood why.”

Venus went on to recount the moment behind Serena’s return to the court, an unscripted, spontaneous hit session that spoke volumes. “But in any case, I think she came out there because actually I was actually hitting, too. So she comes out and she hit, and then you know I had the hitters there and we were leaving and I was like, ‘You want to hit some more?’ They can say ‘I’m done.’ So she hit like 15 or 20 minutes, and she could take six months off, and she clocks it clean.”

There’s something untouchable about Serena’s presence, and Venus knows it better than anyone. “And you can’t teach that kind of talent. She’s just so good. So I don’t know what she’s going to do. I don’t ask those questions. I think we always hit the ball because that’s who we are.” That line hit like a lyric, etched with identity, strength, and legacy.

Venus didn’t stop there. She continued with a knowing nod to Serena’s fitness goals: “We’re always hitting quite frankly, it’s great cardio and you get, you know, great legs and great arms from tennis, quiet as it’s kept. So, you know, obviously that’s part of her goal, too, is to stay in shape.” It’s not just the court, it’s the culture they were born into, the rhythm that never really leaves them.

And then came the gut-punch of sisterly love, the kind that transcends trophies. “But, I mean, I keep saying to my team, the only thing that would make this better is if she were here. Like, we always did everything together. So, of course, I miss her, but if she comes back, I’m sure she’ll let you all know.” Venus may be the one suiting up in DC, but Serena’s shadow, powerful, graceful, and unshakably present, is right there beside her.

And as Serena’s practice sessions spark a flood of fan speculation about her for a potential US Open return, Venus is laser-focused on the challenge ahead, set to face another American in a fierce first-round clash.

Venus Williams set for Round 32 clash against Peyton Stearns

Since Venus Williams last took the court, retirement rumors only got louder, especially when she swapped her racquet for a microphone during her commentary stint at Roland Garros. But now, with the North American hard-court season kicking into high gear, the 45-year-old warrior is strapping on her armor once again. Venus is set to ignite the stage in her first tour-level match in over a year, and the spotlight burns bright.

Standing across the net is 23-year-old American Peyton Stearns, a rising force carving out her own legacy. It’s her 1st-ever showdown against the seven-time Grand Slam champion. Fresh off a breakout season, Stearns soared to a career-high No. 28 and stormed into her first WTA 1000 semifinal on Rome’s red clay. The scene is set for a generational collision, raw ambition versus timeless greatness.

While Venus has only played once before at the Citi Open, exiting in the first round back in 2022, Washington, D.C. is no stranger to her brilliance. As the heartbeat of the Washington Kastles, she starred as Marquee Player six times, driving the team to five World TeamTennis titles.

“There’s something truly special about DC – the energy, the fans, the history,” Williams said recently. “This city has always shown me so much love and I can’t wait to compete there again.” Her words hit like thunder—a voice still full of purpose, still ready to roar.

So now, the question looms large: who will rise in this much-anticipated clash of eras? Share your thoughts in the comments below!