Venus Williams is making her much-anticipated return to tennis, entering the DC Open after more than a year away from competitive play. The 45-year-old tennis star expressed her excitement at being back on the court during a press event, sharing that while she enjoys competing, she misses having her sister, Serena Williams, by her side. Serena, who last played at the 2022 US Open, has been focusing on other ventures, but Venus cherishes the memories of playing alongside her. “I keep saying to my team: The only thing that would make this better is if she was here,” Venus remarked, adding that their bond has always been central to their lives in the sport.
Venus revealed that she had a brief practice session with Serena recently, highlighting her sister’s effortless talent: “She can take six months off and she clocks it clean. You can’t teach that kind of talent.” Throughout her illustrious career, Venus has won seven Grand Slam singles titles and reached No. 1 in the rankings, a testimony to her skill and dedication.
Her participation in the DC Open came as a surprise to many, including Mark Ein, the tournament chairman, who was thrilled to have such an iconic figure in the sport. “She’s such an icon of the sport — and, importantly, both on and off the court… it’s hugely positive,” Ein noted. Although officially listed as “inactive” by the WTA, Venus’s enthusiasm shines as she prepares to take to the hard courts again.
When reflecting on her absence from the game, Venus expressed that it was the adrenaline and challenge of competing that she missed the most. “Just the pure fun of playing the game, overcoming… those things are very exciting,” she said. Regarding her future in the sport, she teased that this return might not be a one-off appearance, stating, “I’m just here for now, and who knows? Maybe there’s more.”
This comeback serves as a reminder that even after time away, the passion for the game can reignite. Fans are hopeful that Venus will not only enjoy herself at this tournament but also potentially pave the way for more performances in the future. The tennis world remains excited for what’s to come from this legendary athlete.