Venus Williams set to face off against opponent young enough to be her daughter

Ayoola Kelechi 01:04 - 20 July 2025

The American, who hasn't played in over a year, received a wildcard for the WTA 500 in Washington and will face Payton Stearns, young enough to be her daughter.

American Payton Stearns hadn't even been born when Venus Williams won her first Wimbledon title, her first Grand Slam, in 2000. The 22-year-old is Williams' first opponent as the 45-year-old returns to professional tennis after a year-long absence, this time at the WTA 500 Washington Open.

Despite a 3-0 losing start, Serena Williams would dominate her on-court rivalry with Venus (Credit: Imago)

Williams, a seven-time Grand Slam champion, will face compatriot Stearns in the first round, according to the draw held Saturday in the US capital.

Williams set to return after one-year absence

The veteran player was inactive in the WTA rankings. Her last official match was a first-round loss to Russia's Diana Schnaider at the 2024 Miami Open.

"There's something truly special about Washington – the energy, the fans, the history. This city has always shown me so much love, and I can't wait to compete here again," the elder Williams sister said in a statement released by the tournament organizers.

With 16 Grand Slam doubles titles, two mixed doubles titles, and seven singles titles, the three-time Olympic champion is one of the greatest tennis players of the modern era, alongside her younger sister, retired 23-time major singles champion Serena.