Overcoming 'woman's pain', Venus Williams returns to tennis at age 45

Venus Williams, the icon of women's tennis, has just made an emotional comeback at the age of 45 when she participated in the 2025 Citi Open after nearly a year and a half of retirement.

Venus Williams returns at Citi Open - Photo: REUTERS

Venus Williams' return is not only of sporting significance but also a testament to her nearly 30-year journey of overcoming uterine fibroids - one of the "eternal pains of women".

At the end of July, Venus appeared in Washington (USA) to participate in the Citi Open women's doubles event, thanks to a wildcard ticket. The elder Williams sister paired with her younger sister Hailey Baptiste - who is only the age of her daughter (23 years old).

The pair made an impressive start with a 6-3, 6-1 victory over Eugenie Bouchard and Clervie Ngounoue, marking their first success after a 16-month absence from the top tennis scene.

Describing her feelings after the win, Venus said: "Just being able to play tennis makes me happy." A simple statement, but one that exudes a strong passion at the age of 45.

In a sport that requires physical strength and speed like tennis, Venus's endurance is truly a miracle, making many fans admire her. Especially for those who know the Williams sister's journey in detail.

Venus decided to have surgery in July 2024 to remove the uterine fibroids that had tormented her for years.

Venus Williams has suffered pain many times while competing - Photo: SUN

Venus revealed she had suffered from chronic pain since being diagnosed with uterine fibroids at the age of 16, with symptoms including severe abdominal pain, heavy periods, nausea and physical weakness.

She once collapsed in the locker room at Wimbledon 2016, but still got up and continued playing thanks to the support of her younger sister Serena.

Venus' pain was so haunting that she "caught herself in the toilet, vomiting" and felt abandoned when doctors said "this condition is normal for women".

Many women - especially women of African descent - live with fibroid symptoms without being diagnosed promptly.

A survey shows that in the US, the rate of uterine fibroids in African-American women under 50 years old is up to 80%, but it is rarely mentioned publicly. Moreover, doctors often downplay the symptoms, forcing patients to accept that "pain is normal".

After many years, Venus opted for a complex form of surgery to remove the tumors but leave her uterus intact – an option many medical professionals recommend when patients want to preserve their fertility.

Venus Williams shares after completing surgery - Photo: CN

Medical experts, such as Dr. Thomas Ruiz (USA), describe the pain as "deep, sharp, even causing the patient to bend over" when the fibroid degenerates, leading to internal necrosis.

In Venus' case, it can be explained that her pain became more and more intense because of playing high-level sports. And also because in order to maintain her performance, Venus tried to suppress the pain for the past 30 years.

When Venus decided to undergo surgery more than a year ago and accept a long-term break from competition, the tennis world almost "forgot" about her. It's a reasonable feeling for a player in her 40s, and facing persistent pain.

But then, with extraordinary determination, the Williams sister returned to the top tennis court, and won right in the opening round of a WTA 500 tournament.

HUY DANG

Source: https://tuoitre.vn/vuot-qua-con-dau-phu-nu-venus-williams-tro-lai-quan-vot-o-tuoi-45-20250722173809728.htm