“This sport never stops teaching you,” Venus Williams on playing professionally later in life and the ATX OPEN 2026
Venus Williams shakes hands post-match with Ajla Tomljanović, the Croatian-Australian tennis player who beat Serena Williams in her final match ever.
Image by Tiffani Arnold
The world-renowned tennis star, Venus Williams, is making her comeback rounds this early 2026, after being out on injury for over a year. With a decades-long career behind her, Williams continues to move markers and set precedents, but this time, the stakes aren’t as high. In the 2025 U.S. Open, Williams was the oldest competitor since 1981, when Renee Richards competed at 47-years-old. Today, Williams plays for the crowd, love of the game and for… COBRA (her health insurance), the later she jokingly revealed post-match at Mubadala Citi DC Open.
While she vied for the top spot in the ATX Open, I asked Venus about her career but also what the vantage point looks like at 45-years-old. The 2026 ATX Open marked Williams’ her first appearance in Texas and the fans supported.
“Everyone is rooting for me, so that’s nice,” said Williams. “Everyone has been so supportive of me being on the court, me putting the effort to be here.”
Fans greeted Williams outside her ATX Open practice sessions. “So, it’s nice to take that out on the court with me.”
Image by Tiffani Arnold
Post-surgery, Williams has to acclimate to the court and her rhythm. Williams told reporters “old situations” can feel new and that she pinpoints those areas to improve.
At this point in her career, Williams is playing tennis with a different lens. She doesn’t seem to be too retrospective and welcomes lessons learned at her current stature.
“This sport never stops teaching you.”
Williams, who began professional tennis at the age of 14, has spent over 30 years playing tennis, and at age 45, her perspective looks a bit different.
“Definitely a lot of things that I guess I never thought I’d be going through but it’s very cool too,” said Williams. “At the same time, I’m learning so much. This sport never stops teaching you.”
Between competitions, Williams plans on seeing what Austin has to offer. Two of which are, trying out high-profile barbecue spots around Austin and the other teaming up with Peyton Stearns in doubles against Taylor Townsend and Storm Hunter.
After her ATX Open run, Williams will compete at the Indian Wells Open 2026 in California.
