Venus Williams: Tennis legend accepts wild card to make enjoying return at DC Open after 16-month absence | Tennis Information
Venus Williams has accepted a wild-card invitation to play singles at this month’s DC Open, which might be the seven-time Grand Slam champion’s first event in additional than a 12 months.
Williams, who turned 45 in June, has not competed in an official match for the reason that Miami Open in March 2024, the place she misplaced within the first spherical as a wildcard.
She was introduced as a wild-card entry for this February’s BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells earlier than confirming she was not enjoying there in any case.
However, 5 months on, Williams confirmed she would play on the Washington DC occasion, which options each the WTA and ATP Tour, with the event operating from July 21-27 stay on Sky Sports activities Tennis.
In an announcement launched by event organisers, Williams mentioned: “There’s one thing actually particular about DC: the power, the followers, the historical past.
“This metropolis has at all times proven me a lot love, and I can not wait to compete there once more.”
DC Open chairman Mark Ein mentioned: “She has impressed individuals around the globe together with her accomplishments on the court docket and her visionary affect off the court docket.
“I understand how a lot it means to our DC followers and neighborhood to have the ability to watch her compete in individual this summer season.”
Williams’ most up-to-date Grand Slam appearances got here in 2023, when she exited within the first spherical at Wimbledon – after slipping within the first set and hurting her proper knee – and the US Open.
Williams, the older sister of 23-Grand Slam winner Serena, received her seven Grand Slam titles between 2000 and 2008, 5 of which got here at Wimbledon.
Watch the ATP and WTA Excursions, in addition to the US Open in New York, stay on Sky Sports activities in 2025 or stream with NOW and the Sky Sports activities app, giving Sky Sports activities prospects entry to over 50 per cent extra stay sport this 12 months at no additional price. Discover out extra right here.