Magdalena Frech ended Venus Williams’ much-anticipated return to tennis with a commanding 6-2, 6-2 victory in the last 16 of the ATP/WTA DC Open on Thursday.
The 45-year-old Williams, who became the oldest woman in over two decades to win a WTA match with her opening round triumph over Peyton Stearns, was outclassed by the fifth-seeded Pole in just over an hour.
Frech broke the American twice in each set, capitalizing on multiple double faults and unforced errors from the seven-time Grand Slam champion.
Despite a brief fightback in the second set, Williams couldn’t maintain momentum as Frech sealed the win in 1hr 13min.
Frech will face third seed Elena Rybakina in Friday’s quarter-finals.
Elsewhere in Washington, Leylah Fernandez pulled off a surprise 6-3, 1-6, 7-5 victory over top seed Jessica Pegula to book a clash with Taylor Townsend, who swept past Sofia Kenin 6-3, 6-0.
Emma Raducanu extended her winning streak with a 6-4, 6-2 win over Naomi Osaka and is set to face Maria Sakkari next.
In the men’s draw, Ben Shelton beat Gabriel Diallo 6-3, 6-2 and will meet Frances Tiafoe in an all-American quarter-final after Tiafoe ousted Flavio Cobolli 6-1, 6-4.
Top seed Taylor Fritz also advanced, defeating Matteo Arnaldi 6-3, 6-4, while Alex de Minaur edged Jiri Lehecka in three sets.
