Tennis legend Venus Williams is set to make her long-awaited return to competitive tennis at the DC Open this week, following a 16-month break due to health issues.
The 45-year-old seven-time Grand Slam singles champion confirmed on Sunday that she will compete in the tournament after receiving a wildcard entry.
Williams, who battled a serious health scare last year, said her decision to return was influenced by a recent visit to Wimbledon, a place she called “inspirational.” But beyond the DC Open, her plans remain uncertain.
“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 is more. I hold my cards close, but at the moment, I’m focused just on this.”
Her first-round opponent will be 23-year-old American Peyton Stearns, currently ranked 34th in the world. Stearns claimed her maiden WTA title in 2023 on the clay courts of Rabat.
