Venus Williams’ recent singles win at the D.C. Open showcased her longevity and brought attention to health coverage for aging athletes following a joking comment she made in an on-court interview.

Her first match back on the WTA Tour, after a 16-month hiatus, was something between a sporting event and a tent revival.

WASHINGTON — When Venus Williams’ bid for her first winning streak since 2019 ended with one last forehand that landed long, the spectators at the D.C. Open’s main stadium gave her a standing ovation. She responded with a smile and the sort of pirouette and wave she usually reserves for celebrating wins.

Venus Williams is celebrating two major milestones — her first singles win in two years and her engagement to partner Andrea Preti.

Venus Williams, won her first singles match in more than a year at age 45, has highlighted the phenomenon of older athletes playing at an elite level.

All paths lead to Italy for Venus Williams, who is gearing up to marry her fiancée Andrea Preti this fall in Italy.

On July 22, following her first singles match in more than a year, Williams revealed that she is engaged to actor and former model Andre Preti. While speaking to WTA following her DC Open singles match, the tennis star, who sported a diamond ring on her left finger, called Preti her fiancé.

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.