Venus Williams Accepts the Washington Invitation After 16-Month

Venus Williams, a seven-time Grand Slam champion, is set to play her first competitive match in sixteen months when she returns to the professional ranks at the age of forty-five.

Since the Miami Open in March 2024, the 45-year-old has not participated in any competitions.

Williams, who last played at the Miami Open in March of last year, won seven grand slam singles titles between 2000 and 2008.

She most recently defeated Veronika Kudermetova at the Cincinnati Masters in August 2023, but she was defeated 6-3 6-3 by Diana Shnaider in the opening round of that competition.

The WTA 500 event, the Washington Open, starts on July 21 and ends on Sunday, July 27. American Amanda Anisimova, who will play Iga Swiatek in Saturday’s Wimbledon women’s singles final, is in the women’s draw along with British players Emma Raducanu, Jessica Pegula, and Naomi Osaka.

A four-time Olympic gold medallist, Venus said, “There’s something truly special about DC: the energy, the fans, the history. This city has always shown me so much love, and I can’t wait to compete there again!”

Along with sister Serena Williams, Williams has won 14 major titles in the women’s doubles division. She is a five-time Wimbledon champion and a two-time US Open champion in the singles division.