Venus Williams wanted to send a message to herself and to others about coming back from a long layoff, about competing in a sport at age 45, about never giving up. And she did just that, becoming the second-oldest woman to win a tour-level singles match in professional tennis.

There are plenty of reasons why this particular victory by Venus Williams in this particular tennis match resonates with so many folks. That she’s 45, for one thing.

Speculation about the couple’s status has been ongoing since they stepped out in Rome together earlier this year.