Venus Williams is set to make her return to professional tennis at the Mubadala Citi DC Open in Washington D.C., marking her first competition in over a year. At 45, the seven-time Grand Slam champion is approaching this comeback with a clear emphasis on enjoying the game and embracing the challenge, rather than fixating on specific results.
Williams last played at the Miami Open in March 2024. This 16-month absence saw her sidelined, with her last victory dating back to the Cincinnati Open in August 2023, where she defeated Veronika Kudermetova.
Now, she has accepted a wild card into the singles draw of the WTA 500 tournament. Williams has been drawn against fellow American Peyton Stearns in the first round. While she played the Citi Open in 2022, losing in the first round, she also has a history with the city, having competed for the Washington Kastles in World TeamTennis.
When asked about her decision to return to the sport, Williams offered a simple yet profound response: "Why not?". She highlighted what she missed most during her time away: "All the times that I had and, of course, the adrenaline, all those things,". She elaborated on the pure enjoyment of playing, the thrill of the challenge, and overcoming obstacles.
Williams has also been candid about her health struggles, including undergoing surgery for fibroids. She acknowledged that a year ago, she was preparing for surgery and unable to play tennis or participate in the U.S. Open, her focus solely on regaining her health.
As for her mindset heading into this comeback, Williams is prioritizing fun and self-belief. "My personal goal is to have fun I think right now and enjoy the moment, not put too much pressure on myself," she stated. She is choosing to focus on believing in herself and sticking to her process, especially after a layoff.
Williams remains characteristically private about her long-term plans. "I think I know what I want to do, but I don't always want to talk about it," she said. "I'm just here for now, and who knows? Maybe there's more. Like I said, I hold my cards close, but at the moment, I'm focused just on this".
Despite her emphasis on enjoyment, Williams' competitive fire still burns. She affirmed that she is still the same player, "a big hitter" who hits big. Her goal is to keep the ball in the court, but to do it her way.
Williams also expressed her continued sense of responsibility towards promoting tennis and women's sports. She recognizes the platform she has and the opportunity to promote the game.
Adding to the excitement, Williams is also participating in the doubles competition at the Citi DC Open, partnering with fellow American Hailey Baptiste.
When asked about the possibility of her sister Serena joining her, Williams said that having her sister along for the ride is something that would make her even happier. "I keep saying to my team: The only thing that would make this better is if she was here".
As Venus Williams steps back onto the court, her focus on fun, self-belief, and the love of the game signals a new chapter in her remarkable career.
