Arthur Ashe Stadium saw a familiar scene: Venus Williams digging deep, refusing to give in — even as the scoreline told a different story. Her opening-round loss to No. 11 seed Karolína Muchová at the 2025 US Open wasn’t the ending anyone wanted, but it wasn’t the one anyone will remember either.
Instead, it was what happened after the match, and what Serena Williams did next, that everyone’s talking about.
How Did Serena Williams Reflect on Venus Williams’ Historic US Open Appearance?
The match at Arthur Ashe Stadium on August 25 marked Venus’ return to Grand Slam action after missing two years of the big stage. Throughout her career, the seven-time Grand Slam champion has tackled health issues and all the tough stuff that comes with a long run in pro tennis. This year, she stepped into her 25th US Open as a wildcard and became the oldest singles player in the draw since Renée Richards played at 47 in 1981.
Serena, who signed off on her own legendary run at the same event in 2022, didn’t wait long to shout out her sister’s latest milestone.
She posted on Instagram stories, “I am immensely proud of you @venuswilliams.”
Always a pleasure to see Venus Williams back on a tennis court.
See you again soon 👋 pic.twitter.com/652KMbh2Ve
— US Open Tennis (@usopen) August 26, 2025
While Venus, 45, went for another run in mixed doubles alongside close friend Reilly Opelka, the pair ended up dropping their first match to Muchová and Andrey Rublev in a 4-2, 5-4(4) contest. Even so, her presence on court still made noise in New York.
What Did Venus Williams Say About Serena Williams’ Return?
During a pre-tournament press conference at the Citi DC Open, a reporter asked Venus if Serena had any plans to make a comeback. Venus didn’t tip her hand, but gave her sister credit for her natural skill set, saying, “She can take six months off and she clocks it clean. You can’t teach that kind of talent. She’s just so good.”
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Venus made it clear she doesn’t push for details about Serena’s choices: “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, we’re always hitting. Quite frankly, it’s great cardio. You get great legs and great arms from tennis, quiet as it’s kept. So obviously that’s part of her goal too is to stay in shape.”
She also admitted the whole experience just isn’t the same without Serena. Venus said she misses having her sister around and added that if Serena ever decides to pick up the racquet again, she’ll be the first to announce it.