Leylah Fernandez says what Venus Williams has 'reminded' her of in her return to tennis at the Washington Open

Venus Williams has taken the tennis world by storm with her return to the sport at the Washington Open.

In her opening clash in D.C., Williams defeated Peyton Stearns to become the second woman since 1990 to win a main draw match at WTA level aged over 45.

The American legend followed Martina Navratilova in completing the feat, and shortly after was granted a wildcard for the upcoming Cincinnati Open.

A second-round bout with fifth seed Magdalena Frech ultimately saw Williams bow out of the tournament, as the eight-time major champion lost in straight sets to the Pole.

Her age-defying return has got everyone on the tour talking, including former US Open finalist Leylah Fernandez, who says it’s given her an important reminder in Washington.

Photo by Tom Brenner For The Washington Post via Getty Images

Leylah Fernandez reacts to Venus Williams return in Washington

After her victory over first seed Jessica Pegula, Fernandez said of Williams: “She’s been a huge impact not only for myself but for my whole family.

“Her story has a little bit of a parallel with mine and my dad and my mom, so it’s so cool to see a legend still playing, still doing what she loves.

“It’s not kind of to prove people wrong, but it’s because she truly loves the sport, and you can see the kid in her. I love that.

“I love that, because sometimes we forget that we started playing this sport as a kid with joy and passion. We think of it more as a job, and we lose that joy.

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“But Venus, she reminded me that tennis is a privilege, that tennis is a sport where you have fun, you get down and you get back up, and you’re still laughing, if you lose a point or when you win the point and you kind of just compete that way.”

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Venus Williams’ last appearance at a Grand Slam event

After confirmation that she will feature at the Cincinnati Open, tennis fans are beginning to wonder if Williams will be making an appearance at this year’s US Open.

The last time she played at a Grand Slam was in 2023 at Flushing Meadows, where she lost in the first round.

Williams suffered a heavy defeat to Greet Minnen, falling to the Belgian in straight sets, 6-1, 6-1.

It has been more than four years since she has advanced past the first round of a major, with her last victory coming in 2021 at Wimbledon.

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