Venus Williams will return to competitive tennis at this week’s DC Open following a 16-month absence, though the seven-time Grand Slam singles champion said on Sunday she remains uncertain about what lies beyond the tournament.
The 45-year-old American, who overcame a serious health scare last year, accepted a wildcard into the event in Washington after an inspiring visit to Wimbledon. The tournament marks the beginning of the US Open hardcourt swing.
“I think I know what I want to do, but I don’t always want to talk about it,” Williams remarked. “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.”
Williams is set to face 23-year-old compatriot Peyton Stearns in the opening round. Stearns, currently ranked 34th in the world, claimed her first WTA title on clay in Rabat last year.
The elder sister of Serena Williams has not played since her first-round loss in Miami in early 2023.
“My personal goal is to have fun and enjoy the moment,” she said. “I don’t want to put too much pressure on myself. I’m not defining success by outcomes right now, but by believing in myself and staying committed to the process, which is not easy after a layoff.”
A former Olympic gold medallist in singles at Sydney 2000, Williams has five Wimbledon titles and two US Open crowns to her name. The most recent of her 49 WTA titles came in 2019 at the Taiwan Open—the last year she played a full season.
“I still feel I can play well,” she said. “I’m still the same player—I hit big. That’s my brand. My goal is simple: hit big and get it in.”
Reflecting on the previous year, she added: “My health journey was very scary. A year ago, I was preparing for surgery and tennis wasn’t even an option. I was just trying to get healthy.”
Now, Williams sees her comeback as an opportunity to enjoy the sport again.
Her decision to return was also influenced by a recent visit to Wimbledon.
“I’ve been practising, and I love the game—especially on hard courts, which are my favourite surface,” she said. “Being at Wimbledon this year brought back so many memories. The adrenaline, the beauty of the place, the history—it reminded me of how exciting tennis can be.”
She said the joy of competition and the challenge of overcoming obstacles continue to motivate her.
Williams, whose seven Grand Slam singles titles match the combined tally of the rest of the DC Open field, will join fellow major champion Naomi Osaka—who holds four Slam titles—in what promises to be a compelling tournament.