Venus Williams to Return to Competition at DC Open

Venus Williams has been granted a wild-card entry to participate in the singles competition at the upcoming DC Open. This marks her return to the court after a hiatus of over a year.

Currently, the WTA Tour website categorizes Williams as "inactive." Her last official match was at the Miami Open in 2024.

Williams expressed her enthusiasm for the tournament, highlighting the unique energy, fan support, and historical significance of Washington, D.C. She mentioned the city's consistent affection and her eagerness to compete there once more. She previously played in the nation's capital in 2022.

Mark Ein, the chairman of the Mubadala Citi DC Open, acknowledged Williams' global influence, both on and off the court. He emphasized the significance of her presence for the fans and the local community.

Earlier this year, there was an announcement regarding Williams' potential return at a tournament in Indian Wells, California, which was later retracted.

Williams' most recent appearances in Grand Slam events were in 2023, where she was eliminated in the first round at both Wimbledon and the U.S. Open. At Wimbledon, she experienced a fall that resulted in a knee injury.

Throughout her career, Williams has achieved significant success, including five Wimbledon singles titles (2000, 2001, 2005, 2007, and 2008) and two U.S. Open singles titles (2000 and 2001). She has also secured 14 Grand Slam doubles titles with her sister, Serena, and has earned four Olympic gold medals.

In 2011, Williams revealed her diagnosis of Sjögren’s syndrome, an autoimmune condition that can lead to fatigue and joint pain.