Venus Williams has accepted a wild-card invitation to participate in singles at the upcoming DC Open. This event marks the seven-time Grand Slam champion’s return to competition after more than a year away from the court.
At 45 years old, Williams is currently listed as “inactive” on the WTA Tour’s website and hasn’t played in an official match since the Miami Open back in 2024. She expressed her excitement in a statement, highlighting the vibrant atmosphere and supportive fans in Washington, D.C. “This city has always shown me so much love, and I can’t wait to compete there again,” she said.
Williams previously played in the nation’s capital in 2022, and her presence is highly anticipated. Mark Ein, chairman of the Mubadala Citi DC Open, praised her contributions both on and off the court, emphasizing the inspiration she provides to fans and the community.
Earlier this year, there was a plan for Williams to return at the tournament in Indian Wells, California, but those plans were ultimately canceled.
Her last appearances in Grand Slam tournaments were in 2023 at Wimbledon and the U.S. Open, where she was eliminated in the first rounds after suffering an injury. Williams boasts an impressive record with five singles titles at Wimbledon and two U.S. Open crowns. Alongside her sister Serena, she has also claimed 14 Grand Slam doubles titles and four Olympic gold medals.
In 2011, Williams revealed that she had been diagnosed with Sjögren’s syndrome, a challenging autoimmune disease that can cause fatigue and joint pain.
