Venus Williams played to an adoring crowd at Austin's Westwood Country Club in two matches at the ATX Open this past week, leaving players and fans in astonishment at her ability to still compete with the best young players in the game.

What happened at the ATX Open?

Venus Williams, at 45 years old, showed her willingness to meet the physical demands of professional tennis, inspiring fans with her performance.

Why it matters for Venus Williams

Her story is a unique one, as she once owned the sport of tennis, but was later surpassed by her sister, Serena Williams, possibly the greatest tennis player ever.

Venus and Serena Williams were raised by their parents, Richard and Oracene Williams, in a crime-ravaged section of South Central Los Angeles, where they believed tennis could be a portal to a better life.

Venus Williams' impact on women's tennis

Venus Williams blazed a trail in women's tennis, demanding equality at the bank, and following in the footsteps of Billie Jean King.

She wrote an op-ed column in The Times, lobbying for the All-England Club to award equal prize money for men and women, which carried substantial weight due to her status as a three-time champion.

One year later, Williams captured a fourth Wimbledon singles title in 2007, and her check was identical to that of men's champion Roger Federer, a moment she described as the best of her career.

Venus Williams' contributions to American sports and its history are unparalleled, with both her and Serena reaching No. 1 in the world, winning Olympic gold medals, and transcending the sport with footprints in social media, fashion, entrepreneurship, entertainment, and charitable causes.

What comes next for Venus Williams?

As she continues to compete at a high level, Venus Williams hopes to receive a wild card entry into future tournaments, and her performance at the ATX Open has shown that she still has what it takes to compete with the best.

And with her legacy already cemented, Venus Williams will always be remembered as one of the greatest tennis players of all time.

But for now, she's focused on the present, and her ability to still bang with some of the best young players in the game is truly inspiring.

So, as the tennis world looks to the future, one thing is certain - Venus Williams will always be a part of it.