Source: Alamy Stock Photo

American Tennis Star Returns to the Court at Age 45

Veteran American star Venus Williams will return to the tennis courts at the age of 45 for the first time in 16 months, following surgery a year ago, as she takes part in the Washington Open.

The former World No. 1 said in a press conference: “At this time exactly a year ago, I was preparing for surgery. Tennis wasn’t even on my mind. I was just thinking about being healthy.”

The player, who hasn’t competed since losing to Russian Diana Shnaider at the Miami Open in March 2024, added: “My health journey has been incredibly exhausting. Physically, I’ve gone through a difficult period since last year, so returning and having the opportunity to play is a big chance.”

When asked about her future after the Washington tournament, she said: “Right now, I’m here. There might be something else, but I don’t want to reveal my cards.”

The seven-time Grand Slam champion will face fellow American Peyton Stearns, currently ranked No. 34 in the world, in the first round of the tournament in the U.S. capital. Speaking about the matchup, she said: “I haven’t played in over a year. I have no doubts about my ability to play, but I need time to regain my rhythm in matches.”

Frenchwoman Enters the WTA Top 50

Meanwhile, French player Loïs Boisson, who recently captured the first title of her career, has entered the WTA Top 50, climbing 19 spots to reach World No. 44.

Boisson claimed the Hamburg Open title in Germany by defeating Hungarian Anna Bondar 7-5, 6-3 in Sunday’s final.

She had already made a splash at Roland Garros, the second Grand Slam tournament of the season, where she reached the semifinals—an impressive feat considering she was ranked No. 361 before the French Open on clay began.

Men’s Rankings Update

On the men’s side, both Canadian Denis Shapovalov and Kazakhstan’s Alexander Bublik entered the ATP Top 50 after winning the Los Cabos (Mexico) and Gstaad (Switzerland) tournaments respectively.

Shapovalov moved up 5 spots to reach No. 28, while Bublik climbed 4 spots to sit at No. 30.

Italy’s Jannik Sinner, winner of Wimbledon, remains at the top of the ATP rankings ahead of Spain’s Carlos Alcaraz. The only change in the top ten was American Ben Shelton moving up to 8th place, despite not playing, displacing Denmark’s Holger Rune.

WTA Top 10 Rankings:

Aryna Sabalenka (Belarus) – 12,420 points

Coco Gauff (USA) – 7,669

Iga Świątek (Poland) – 6,813

Jessica Pegula (USA) – 6,423

Mirra Andreeva (Russia) – 5,163

Zheng Qinwen (China) – 4,803

Amanda Anisimova (USA) – 4,470

Madison Keys (USA) – 4,374

Jasmine Paolini (Italy) – 3,576

Paula Badosa (Spain) – 3,454

ATP Top 10 Rankings:

Jannik Sinner (Italy) – 12,030 points

Carlos Alcaraz (Spain) – 8,600

Alexander Zverev (Germany) – 6,030

Taylor Fritz (USA) – 5,035

Jack Draper (UK) – 4,650

Novak Djokovic (Serbia) – 4,130

Lorenzo Musetti (Italy) – 3,350

Ben Shelton (USA) – 3,330 (+1)

Holger Rune (Denmark) – 3,250 (-1)

Andrey Rublev (Russia) – 3,160

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