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.

There are plenty of reasons why this particular victory by Venus Williams in this particular tennis match resonates with so many folks.

Venus Williams says she is "up to fight" after winning her first match in two years and becoming the oldest woman (45) to win on the tour level since 2004.