Venus Williams, a name synonymous with tennis excellence, has made an exhilarating announcement that has thrilled her considerable fanbase: she is set to return to the WTA Tour after an extended absence exceeding a year. The seven-time Grand Slam champion last played at the Miami Open in 2024, where she faced a first-round exit against rising star Diana Shnaider.
Since that tournament, Williams’s journey has taken her out of the Top 1000 in rankings, making her potential return at the age of 45 a remarkable endeavor. Nonetheless, Williams remains undeterred. She has confirmed her participation at the 2025 Citi Open, scheduled to begin on July 21, where she will compete using a wild card.
“I’m excited to accept a wild card to the Mubadala Citi DC Open,” Williams expressed, highlighting her enthusiasm for the event. “There’s something truly special about D.C.: the energy, the fans, the history. This city has always shown me so much love, and I can’t wait to compete there again!”
The tournament organizers are equally enthusiastic about her comeback. Mark Ein, chairman of the Citi Open, expressed his excitement about Williams’s return, emphasizing her impact on both the sport and her fans. “Venus has inspired people around the world with her accomplishments on the court and her visionary impact off the court. I know how much it means to our D.C. fans and community to be able to watch her compete in person this summer,” he stated.
As Williams gears up for her match in Washington, many will be closely observing her performance and physical condition. Competing professionally at 45 is no small feat, and it serves as a testament to her commitment to fitness and training. Despite her long hiatus, Williams had hinted at a return in a recent interview, noting her practice sessions had been productive and expressing openness to compete in additional tournaments.
In her most recent outings at the Indian Wells Open and the Miami Open in 2024, Williams showed flashes of her skill despite being eliminated in the first round by competitors Nao Hibino and Shnaider, respectively. However, there are concerns regarding her endurance, particularly after her loss to Hibino, where Williams seemed to struggle physically, particularly in the deciding set.
With these considerations in mind, the tennis community eagerly anticipates Williams’s performance in Washington. The effect of the summer heat and the rigors of professional matches on her stamina will certainly be a focal point as she embarks on this new chapter of her career.
It is noteworthy that, while Serena Williams, her sister and fellow tennis legend, stepped away from the game following her retirement at the 2022 US Open, Venus continues to defy expectations by keeping her competitive spirit alive. The 2025 Citi Open promises to be a highly anticipated event, drawing attention not just for Williams’s participation but also for an impressive lineup of talented players in both the women’s and men’s categories, ensuring a thrilling atmosphere for tennis enthusiasts.