Venus Williams makes US Open doubles quarterfinals after singles exit

Venus Williams returned to Flushing Meadows this week after a 16 month hiatus but exited the singles draw in a first round loss to Karolína Muchová on Monday, then extended her stay by entering the women's doubles with Leylah Fernandez and advancing to the quarterfinals at the 2025 US Open. The 45 year old, who underwent surgery for uterine fibroids last year and resumed competition in July at the Washington, D.C. Open, said she was relieved to be playing free of pain and proud of her effort despite the singles defeat.

Williams pushed 11th seed Muchová to three sets before falling 6-3, 2-6, 6-1, according to match reports. After the match she reflected on the months of recovery and the intense preparation that preceded her comeback. "I didnt win today, but Im very proud of how I played," Williams told reporters. She described a training regimen that left little time for anything else and said returning to the court was about giving herself "a chance to play more healthy. When you play unhealthy, its in your mind. Its not just how you feel. You get stuck in your mind too."

The U.S. Tennis Association granted Williams wildcards for both singles and doubles draws and she also...