Seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams is set to make her return to competitive tennis at this week’s DC Open, ending a 16-month layoff following a serious health scare.
The 45-year-old American has accepted a wildcard entry into the tournament, which serves as the first hardcourt warm-up event for the US Open.
Williams, who hasn’t played since a first-round loss in Miami last year, is keeping her plans close to her chest.
“I think I know what I want to do, but I don’t always want to talk about it,” she said. “I’m just here for now. And who knows? Maybe there is more. I hold my cards close, but at the moment, I’m focused just on this.”
She will face 23-year-old American Peyton Stearns, ranked 34th in the world and winner of the 2023 Rabat title, in the first round.
After overcoming significant health issues, including surgery last year, Venus is prioritising enjoyment and self-belief over results.
“My personal goal is to have fun and enjoy the moment,” she said. “I don’t define success in any specific way right now other than believing in myself and sticking to my process. That’s not easy to do after a layoff.”
Venus, the 2000 Olympic singles gold medallist, boasts five Wimbledon titles and two U.S. Open crowns among her 49 WTA titles, the last of which came in 2019. Although she hasn’t played a full season since then, her trademark power remains.
“I definitely feel I’ll play well. I’m still the same player. I’m a big hitter. This is my brand, hitting big and putting it in. That’s my main goal.”
Reflecting on her health battle, Williams acknowledged that tennis was far from her mind a year ago.
“This time last year, I was preparing for surgery. There was no way I could play tennis or think about the US Open. I was just trying to get healthy.”
BusinessDay