Seven-time Grand Slam singles champion Venus Williams will make her much-anticipated return to competitive tennis at this week’s DC Open, following a 16-month absence from the tour. The 45-year-old American confirmed on Sunday that while she’s focused on her comeback, she remains uncertain about what lies beyond this tournament.
Williams, who overcame a significant health scare last year, said her decision to return was inspired in part by a visit to Wimbledon and her enduring love for the game. She accepted a wildcard into the Washington, D.C. event, which marks the first hardcourt warm-up ahead of the 2025 US Open.
“I think I know what I want to do, but I don’t always want to talk about it,” Williams told reporters. “I’m just here for now. And who knows? Maybe there’s more. I hold my cards close, but at the moment, I’m focused just on this.”
Williams is set to face 23-year-old American Peyton Stearns, currently ranked No. 34 in the world. Stearns claimed her first WTA title on clay in Rabat last year.
The elder sister of Serena Williams hasn’t played since a first-round loss at the Miami Open in 2024. Reflecting on her goals this week, Venus said her priority is to enjoy being back on court.
“My personal goal is to have fun and enjoy the moment, not to put too much pressure on myself,” she said. “I don’t know if I define success right now in any particular way other than believing in myself and sticking to my process. That’s not easy to do, especially after a long layoff.”
A former Olympic gold medallist in singles at the 2000 Sydney Games, Williams has won five Wimbledon titles and two US Open crowns. Her last WTA title came in 2019 at the Taiwan Open, which was also the last year she played a full tour schedule.
Despite the hiatus, Williams believes her trademark power game is still intact.
“I definitely feel I’ll play well,” she said. “I’m still the same player. I’m a big hitter. This is my brand. So it’s about hitting big — and putting it in. That’s my main goal.”
Looking back, she revealed that a year ago, tennis was far from her mind as she dealt with a serious health condition.
“Yeah, my health journey was very scary. A year ago, I was preparing for surgery. There was no way I could think about playing tennis or the US Open. I was just trying to get healthy,” she said. “Physically, I’ve been through a lot, so being able to come back and hopefully enjoy myself on court is a great opportunity.”
Her visit to Wimbledon this summer rekindled her competitive fire.
“I had been hitting the ball, and of course I love the game — especially on hard courts, which is my favorite surface. When I went to Wimbledon this year, even for just a day, it reminded me of all the great memories. The adrenaline, the excitement — it all came rushing back.”
She said her return is driven by the simple love of the game.
“It’s just the pure fun of playing, the thrill of the challenge, and the joy of overcoming things. Those feelings are very exciting.”
Notably, the seven Grand Slam singles titles Williams holds equal the combined tally of the rest of the DC Open field, which includes four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka.
AFP
