The WTA-ranked number 13 breezed past the Venus Villiams in the first round of the US Open 2025 at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Karolina Muchova spoiled Venus Williams’ long-awaited return to Flushing Meadows, defeating the two-time US Open champion 6-3, 2-6, 6-1 in a dramatic first-round clash on Monday night.
The 45-year-old Williams, who returned to the US Open 2025 after a two-year absence, showed flashes of her trademark power and resilience but was ultimately undone by inconsistency and a flurry of double faults. With the victory, Muchova, a two-time Grand Slam semi-finalist, advances to the second round.
The opening set saw Williams fall 0-2 behind, but the seven-time Grand Slam champion clawed her way back to lead 3-2 with some impressive shot-making. However, costly double faults handed Muchova the initiative, and the Czech took the first set 6-3.
Williams responded in trademark fashion in the second set, rolling back the years with a dominant display. She dictated play with her aggressive groundstrokes, broke Muchova twice, and leveled the match with a commanding 6-2 performance that sent the Arthur Ashe Stadium crowd into raptures.
But Muchova showed her composure in the decider. The Czech quickly regained control behind her powerful first serve and clever variety, racing to a 3-0 lead before closing out the final set 6-1. Williams’ 10 double faults across the match proved decisive, gifting Muchova the momentum at key moments.
After the match, Williams reflected on her comeback with grace and gratitude to Tennis.com.
“My goal is to do what I want to do. I wanted to be here this summer. I’m so grateful for all the folks who gave me a wild card,” Williams told Tennis.com. “They could have said, ‘Hey, listen, you’ve been gone too long, you haven’t won a lot of matches in the last few years.’ I wasn’t lucky with my health and with injuries. But there were a lot of people who believed in me in these tournaments. I’m very grateful to have had that chance and that opportunity to really strike the ball.”
Despite the defeat, Williams’ return at 45 continues to inspire fans and underline her enduring love for the sport. For Muchova, the win keeps her campaign alive as she chases a deep run at the US Open 2025.