MUBADALA CITI DC OPEN

July 22, 2025

Peyton Stearns

Press Conference

V. WILLIAMS/P. Stearns

6-3, 6-4

THE MODERATOR: Peyton, why don't you just give us your first thoughts on the match.

PEYTON STEARNS: Yeah, always tough playing someone like Venus. She's an amazing player, so, you know, she played great tonight and kudos to her.

THE MODERATOR: Questions.

Q. What was it like for you having to play someone who hasn't played in a long time, obviously a big name, you don't know what really to expect? What is this level of pressure and uncertainty on your side that you were feeling?

PEYTON STEARNS: Yeah, there's definitely a lot of pressure, because you can't do a lot of homework on the match. Of course she hasn't played in a while. You don't know what to expect.

We knew she was going to hit some big serves, though. That was something we could expect. Yeah, it's a lot, you know, learning in the moment, not knowing anything about your opponent. So it's not easy.

Q. How would you describe just how well she played today?

PEYTON STEARNS: Yeah, I mean, she played some ball tonight. She was moving really well, which I wasn't expecting too much, honestly. Her serves were just on fire, so...

Q. Obviously not the result you wanted, but I saw some strapping on your leg, so I was curious, physically did you feel like 100%? How difficult was it to chase down some of the balls she was hitting?

PEYTON STEARNS: Yeah, no, I decided to step on court, so my physicality has nothing to do with the win or loss. She deserved that match, of course.

So in my mind, I was 100% physically fit to play. The wrapping was just to help mentally be able to step out and give 100%.

Q. I think longevity in sports is going to be a conversation that comes out of Venus coming back with this wildcard and playing well here. What are your thoughts on seeing someone like that? How does that reflect on you, like, what do you take away from that?

PEYTON STEARNS: Yeah, I mean, I think it's awesome, and I have so much respect for her to come back here and play, win or lose. That takes a lot of guts to step back onto court, especially with what she's done for the sport.

You know, you have a lot behind you. You have accomplished a lot. And there is a lot of pressure on her and to kind of upkeep that at this age. So massive credit to her for that.