WASHINGTON, D.C. — Seven-time Grand Slam singles champion Venus Williams will return to professional tennis at the upcoming DC Open after accepting a wildcard entry, tournament organizers confirmed Friday.
The 45-year-old American has been listed as inactive on the WTA Tour’s website and has not played a tour-level match since a first-round loss in March 2024. Her appearance at the DC Open will mark her first professional competition in over 16 months.
Williams will compete in the singles draw of the combined WTA and ATP tournament, scheduled to begin on July 19 at the Rock Creek Park Tennis Center in Washington, D.C.
Organizers and fans have expressed anticipation for Williams’s return, which adds a significant highlight to the tournament lineup. The DC Open will feature top-ranking male and female players, with Williams’s participation drawing particular attention due to her storied career and long absence.
Williams, one of the most decorated players in tennis history, has claimed multiple Grand Slam titles and Olympic medals over her career. Her decision to return signals a renewed commitment to competition at the professional level.
The tournament will serve as an opportunity for Williams to re-establish her presence on the tour and engage with the tennis community. Her participation follows a prolonged break from the sport and has sparked renewed interest in the event.
With Williams joining the field, the DC Open is expected to attract heightened viewership and fan engagement. The event offers a key platform for her comeback and a chance for fans to witness a veteran player return to the court.
Tournament officials have not yet announced Williams’s first-round opponent.
