Venus Williams returns to competition in DC after over a year off

In Washington, DC, Venus Williams has confirmed her return to professional tennis by accepting a wild-card entry in the Mubadala Citi DC Open, set to occur from July 21 to July 27, 2025. This marks a significant moment in her career, as it is her first competition since March 19, 2024, when she played in the first round of the Miami Open. At that tournament, Williams lost to Diana Shnaider in straight sets, which further extended a period of inactivity for the seven-time Grand Slam champion. She is currently listed as inactive on the WTA Tour website and has not achieved a competitive win since her last victory against Veronika Kudermetova at the Cincinnati Open in 2023. Williams, now 45 years old, expressed her excitement about playing in DC, stating there is something special about the city and its fans. Mark Ein, the tournament chairman, emphasized how much her presence means to the local community, highlighting Williams' impact both on and off the court. This will mark her second appearance at the DC Open; she last participated in 2022. The tournament organizers have been eager for her return, as they believe it has significant meaning for the fans who admire her long-standing contributions to tennis. The Mubadala Citi DC Open is part of a combined WTA and ATP Tour event, featuring a field of prominent tennis players, including Jessica Pegula, Naomi Osaka, and Emma Raducanu. The inclusion of Williams adds to the tournament's appeal, drawing attention from tennis enthusiasts eager to see her compete again. Williams' journey back into professional tennis is complemented by her plans for the Charlotte Invitational, scheduled for December 4, indicating a commitment to re-engage with the sport amidst prior health challenges, including her diagnosis of Sjögren’s syndrome, an autoimmune condition affecting her energy levels. Her return marks not just a revival of competitive spirit but also serves as an inspiration to many, showcasing resilience in the face of health issues and the inevitable passage of time. Venus Williams has long been a symbol of excellence in women's tennis, previously achieving milestones such as her five Wimbledon singles titles and her extensive career accolades, including 14 Grand Slam doubles titles alongside her sister, Serena Williams. With her returning to the court, both fans and the tennis community are hopeful for a compelling performance by one of the sport’s greats.