Tennis legend Venus Williams, who turned 45 this June, is set to make a highly anticipated return to the WTA Tour this month after a 16-month absence. The seven-time Grand Slam singles champion has officially accepted a wild card into the main draw of the Mubadala Citi DC Open, a joint ATP-WTA 500 event held at the William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center in Washington, DC, from July 19 to 27.
A Surprise Return from a Trailblazer
Williams last competed on the tour in March 2024, when she faced a tough first-round loss at the Miami Open. Since then, she has been listed as “inactive” on the WTA’s official website and had not played any competitive matches. Her last tour-level singles win came at the Cincinnati Open in 2023, making this return especially meaningful for fans eager to see her legendary game back on court.
Williams Shares Her Motivation
In announcing her return, Venus said:
“There’s something truly special about DC: the energy, the fans, the history. This city has always shown me so much love, and I can’t wait to compete there again!”
This will mark her second main-draw appearance at the DC Open. She last played in Washington, DC, in 2022 and also previously represented the Washington Kastles in World Team Tennis for eight seasons.
The Achievements That Rewrite Tennis History
- Seven Grand Slam singles titles: Five at Wimbledon (2000, 2001, 2005, 2007, 2008) and two US Open crowns (2000, 2001).
- Four Olympic gold medals
- 49 career singles titles and 22 doubles titles
- 14 Grand Slam doubles titles and two mixed doubles Grand Slam wins
- Former World No. 1 in singles and doubles
Off court, Venus has also driven change as a businesswoman, designer, and advocate for equity in sports, inspiring countless fans and athletes worldwide.
DC Open: Combining Tradition, Star Power, and New Challenges
The Mubadala Citi DC Open stands out as the world’s only combined ATP-WTA 500-level event, drawing top tennis talent from both the men’s and women’s tours. This year’s edition boasts nine top-10 players, six reigning or former Grand Slam champions, five past DC champions, and 17 American contenders, guaranteeing an electrifying atmosphere.
Tournament Details:
Dates: July 19–27, 2025
Venue: FitzGerald Tennis Center, Rock Creek Park, Washington, DC
Format: Joint ATP/WTA 500 event
Williams’ Wild Card: Announced July 11; main-draw play starts July 21
What Venus’ Comeback Means for Tennis
Venus Williams’ decision to play DC at age 45 is far more than just a headline; it’s a testament to her enduring competitiveness and influence. Her acceptance of a wild card has:
- Energized fans in Washington, who value her legacy and leadership
- Underscored themes of longevity, resilience, and adaptation in women’s sports
- Raised the profile of the DC Open as a stage for memorable tennis moments
Mark Ein, chairman of the DC Open, summarized the excitement:
“She has inspired people around the world with her accomplishments on the court and her visionary impact off the court. I know how much it means to our DC fans and community to be able to watch her compete in person this summer.”
FAQs: Venus Williams’ DC Open Return
1. When is Venus Williams playing at the DC Open?
Venus Williams will compete at the DC Open in Washington, DC, from July 19–27, 2025, with main-draw matches beginning July 21.
2. How old is Venus Williams and when was her last WTA match?
Williams is 45 years old. Her last match was in March 2024 at the Miami Open.
3. Has Venus played the DC Open before?
Yes, this will be her second main-draw appearance. She previously played the tournament in 2022 and represented the Washington Kastles in World Team Tennis.
4. What was Williams’ last WTA singles win?
Her most recent win came in 2023 at the Cincinnati Open, where she defeated Veronika Kudermetova in the first round.
5. How many Grand Slam singles titles does Venus Williams have?
She has won seven singles Grand Slam titles—five at Wimbledon and two at the US Open.
Conclusion
Venus Williams’ wild-card acceptance for the 2025 DC Open marks another inspirational moment in one of tennis’s greatest careers. Her ability to compete at the highest level at 45 is a celebration of perseverance, passion, and unrivaled sporting legacy. For Washington, tennis fans, and the global sports community, Venus’ latest chapter is an event not to be missed.
