After more than a year away from professional tennis, seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams is making a surprise return at the 2025 DC Open. The 45-year-old icon has received a wild-card entry into the main singles draw, marking her first appearance on the court since the 2024 Miami Open.
With her trademark smile and grace, Williams greeted the press on Sunday ahead of her opening-round match against fellow American Peyton Stearns. “Long time no see,” she said, acknowledging her extended break from the sport that made her a global legend.
Williams’ return was kept under wraps until earlier this month when the DC Open issued a news release announcing her participation. Her name still appeared as “inactive” on the WTA website as of Sunday, underscoring just how unexpected her comeback is for fans and tennis insiders alike.
“I think it’s a surprise for the fans and a surprise in general, as I hold my cards tight,” Williams quipped.
Her appearance in Washington isn’t just another tournament stop — it’s a homecoming of sorts. Williams spent eight seasons playing for the Washington Kastles in the now-defunct World Team Tennis league and last competed in the DC-based tournament in 2022. The event’s chairman, Mark Ein, has joked for years that she has a wild-card spot reserved anytime she wants it.
Initially expected to return in March 2025 at Indian Wells, Williams declined that wild-card invitation due to prior commitments. Instead, she joined TNT as a commentator for the French Open, where speculation about her retirement resurfaced. At the time, she said she was “open” to returning when it “felt right.”
Apparently, that time is now.
Much of Williams’ time away from tennis was spent focusing on her health. In a recent interview with SELF Magazine, she candidly revealed her years-long struggle with uterine fibroids—noncancerous tumors that caused her significant pain and ultimately required surgery in July 2024.
“My health journey was very scary,” Williams admitted during Sunday’s media appearance. “This time last year, I was preparing for surgery. Tennis, the U.S. Open, none of that was even on my mind. I just wanted to get healthy.”
During her recovery, she didn’t miss tennis as much as one might expect. The break gave her time to focus on other pursuits, including health advocacy, fashion ventures, and broadcasting. But now, she says she’s ready to return — not necessarily to chase trophies, but to enjoy herself and play the game she loves.
“In D.C., I just want to have fun,” she said. “I know I can still play good tennis. Coming back after a long break takes time, but I’m here now, and that’s what matters.”
Despite her decorated career, wins have been elusive in recent years. Williams hasn’t claimed a match victory since August 2023 and has managed just seven wins since the start of 2020, as recurring injuries and health challenges disrupted her rhythm.
Still, she hasn’t ruled out playing more tournaments this year. While she remains tight-lipped about future plans, there’s a clear sense that she’s leaving the door open.
“I’m just here for now,” she said. “Maybe there’s more to come. Like I said, I hold my cards close. But right now, I’m focused on this — on being back, on playing again. It takes time to get into the swing of things, but there’s no doubt in my mind that I can still play tennis.”
Williams’ return comes at a moment when women’s tennis continues to celebrate the longevity of legends and the emergence of new talent. As one of the sport’s most influential and trailblazing figures, her presence on the court — win or lose — resonates deeply with fans worldwide.
Whether this marks the start of a short farewell tour or the beginning of a new competitive chapter remains to be seen. But for now, Venus Williams is back — and the tennis world is watching.
