Venus Williams is still going strong at the age of 45.
The tennis legend and two-time US Open champion made her 25th appearance at the Grand Slam event recently, becoming the oldest singles player in the tournament. Williams competed in singles and doubles play, advancing to the quarterfinals with partner Leylah Fernandez.
For perspective on her longevity, Williams made her first appearance at the US Open in 1997. After a series of health setbacks over the past couple of years, Williams made her return to the tour after a 16-month layoff in July of 2025 at the DC Open, emerging victorious over Peyton Stearns in her first match back.
She became the oldest woman to win a WTA tour-level singles match in 20 years, and told Bet Ideas that she still gets nervous before a match.
“Totally, definitely nervous, definitely in anticipation,” Williams said in an exclusive interview “It’s normal. That’s the body preparing itself to compete, is what I tell myself. But also, I think a lot of just not having played a lot, which you want to be prepared, so it’s not as easy.”
Venus Williams: I’ve Stopped Doing Long-Distance Training
The seven-time grand slam champion says the only difference in routine now compared to earlier in her career is she no longer does long-distance running. But everything else is literally the same as it was in her teens, 20’s and 30’s.
“The only thing I do differently is I don’t run long distance anymore,” details Williams,. “That’s kind of it. But other than that, I can train just as hard and harder without issues. I stopped quite a few years ago, like running miles and things like that. I run a lot — don’t get me wrong — a lot of sprinting, a lot of drills, but the distance running I cut out.”
Williams’ result in the US Open in singles play was not what she wanted as she lost to Karolina Muchova in the first round. However, the fact she was even on the court was an accomplishment in itself considering her longevity and her journey back to it.
She was visibly emotional after the presser, mentioning how grateful she was to hear the fans support her through it all.
“Yeah, being able to talk about things that normally I wouldn’t share,” Williams says of her emotional US Open presser. “It’s been a different experience.”
Williams’ 25th US Open appearance is the most of any player in history. She won back-to-back US Open titles in 2000 and 2001.
“I think the biggest challenge is the players,” says Williams when asked about the biggest challenge of playing in the grand slam tournaments. “They play so well so they can be the last one standing. It’s a real honor.”
Venus Williams: Coco Gauff Is Shining, Doesn’t Need My Advice
One of the young female tennis stars who could possibly match — if not exceed — Williams one day is 21-year-old Coco Gauff. The young tennis sensation has already previously defeated Williams multiple times, including an upset in the 2019 Wimbledon tournament at the age of 15. She also beat Williams in the 2020 Australian Open.
Both Williams and Gauff have Palm Beach County, Florida ties, with Gauff living and honing her tennis craft in Delray Beach. Williams also had a similar background in her younger years in nearby Palm Beach Gardens.
“My advice to her — I don’t think she needs my advice,” says Williams while laughing. “Top five, No. 2 in the world, all those things. She definitely has been shining on her own. Honestly, she’s a role model. There are so many young girls who are starting because of her. So many young girls, that’s their favorite player. She’s just giving back just by doing something positive.”
When asked if Gauff reminds her of anyone, Williams says she’s unique and she’s her own player.
“She has her own game style,” says Williams. “That’s the beautiful part, right? You don’t have to be anyone else. You get to be yourself. That’s how you become the best player is really knowing who you are, kind of executing your own game. I’m just very proud of it.”
Williams singles out Gauff’s best trait as a tennis player is her “mind.”
“Her mind, it’s so strong,” says Williams. “She’s a fighter and such a competitor. When your mind is the strongest thing, everything else follows.”
The 45-year-old tennis great makes sure to also give credit to fellow American tennis players — both male and female — outside of Gauff, saying they’re playing great. Americans Taylor Fritz and Ben Shelton are ranked No. 5 and No. 6 in the men’s single ATP rankings with Tommy Paul at No. 15 and Frances Tiafoe at No. 29.Â
Meanwhile, in the women’s rankings, there are four in the top seven alone, with Gauff, Amanda Anisimova, Madison Keys and Jessica Pegula all there.
“The Americans are playing great, we’ve got two slams this year,” says Williams. “A lot of them are playing deep, both the men’s and women’s. I’m always rooting for the Americans.”
When asked about greats that she looked up to and molded her game after, Williams mentions several names, including 14-time grand slam winner Pete Sampras.
“Definitely Monica Seles, Pete Sampras, and Boris Becker,” says Williams of players she looked up to.Â