Venus Williams Returns to Tennis

Venus Williams is stepping back onto the tennis court after more than a year. The seven-time Grand Slam champion has accepted wildcard invitations to play in the upcoming DC Open, marking her first tournament in 16 months.

Her last appearance was at the Miami Open in 2024, where she lost in straight sets to the 19-year-old Diana Schneider.

“There’s something really special about DC: energy, fans, history,” Williams commented in a statement. “This city has always shown me a lot of love and I can’t wait to compete again!”

Now 45 years old, Williams is currently listed as an inactive player on the WTA website and was ranked 970 in 2024. Regardless, she is gearing up to return to the nation’s capital for a match scheduled for next Saturday.

Mark Iin, the tournament president, shared his excitement about Williams’ participation, stating, “She has inspired people all over the world with her court work and her visionary influence. We know how much it means for our DC fans and our community to see the competition this summer.”

Williams boasts a remarkable career, with five Wimbledon titles and two US Open wins. Additionally, she has captured 16 Grand Slam titles in doubles and mixed doubles, alongside four Olympic gold medals.