New Delhi, July 25 -- 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 Thursday night gave her a standing ovation. She responded with a smile and the sort of pirouette and wave she usually reserves for celebrating wins.

Williams hadn't competed anywhere in more than a year, and so even if this tournament was over for her after a 6-2, 6-2 loss to 24th-ranked Magdalena Frech in the second round, just being back out there was big for the seven-time Grand Slam singles champion - and her many fans.

"Oh, I had so much fun. Definitely not the result I wanted, but still a learning experience. The part about sport (and) life is that you ...