WASHINGTON — Venus Williams took the Mubadala Citi DC Open by storm.

Williams could not overcome 27-year-old Magdalena Frech, 6-2, 6-2, in the second round of the tournament on Thursday, July 24. Williams has not won back-to-back matches since 2019. Venus Williams and Hailey Baptiste won their first-round match in doubles play on Monday, but the duo fell short of reaching the third round.

Venus Williams is largely responsible for a new generation of black tennis players and fans in Washington, D.C.

The 45-year-old, who lost in the second round Thursday at the DC Open in her return to tennis, has never looked happier after a loss.

Venus Williams returned to tour-level tennis on Tuesday, defeating Peyton Stearns 6-3, 6-4 at the DC Open and winning her first match in nearly two years.

SportsLine tennis expert Blake Von Hagen reveals his 2025 Mubadala Citi DC Open picks for Tuesday's women's first-round match between Peyton Stearns and Venus Williams

Contesting her first event in 16 months, former World No. 1 Venus Williams will face fellow American Peyton Stearns in the opening round of the Mubadala Citi DC Open. Jessica Pegula tops the draw, and Emma Raducanu will take on Marta Kostyuk in the first round.

Venus Williams, days after becoming the oldest player to win a WTA Tour singles match in 21 years, lost in the second round of the Mubadala Citi DC Open on Thursday in Washington.