Washington, D.C. – Seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams, at 45 years old, is set to make her return to professional tennis this week at the Mubadala Citi DC Open, ending a 16-month absence from the WTA Tour. Her decision, driven by a profound “love of the game,” has reignited discussions about a potential comeback for her younger sister, Serena Williams, who “evolved away” from the sport in 2022.
The Enduring Allure of the Game for Venus
Venus Williams confirmed her highly anticipated return as a wild card entrant at the WTA 500 event in Washington, D.C., marking her first competitive match since the Miami Open in March 2024. When asked about her motivation to return at 45, the former world No. 1 offered a simple, smiling reply: “Why not?”
Williams elaborated on her decision, emphasizing the pure enjoyment she derives from the sport. “I think just the pure fun of playing the game, the fun of the challenge, overcoming — when you play, you overcome so many challenges: your opponents, the conditions, a lot of times you have to overcome yourself. Those things are very exciting,” she stated. She also noted her comfort on hard courts, her favorite surface, as a contributing factor. Venus added that her return is “very special” for her and a “surprise for the fans and a surprise in general.” Despite her extensive career, she finds new reasons to compete, even if she prefers to keep her full plan “close to the vest.”
Opening the Door: The Serena Williams Factor
Venus Williams’ return inevitably shines a spotlight on the possibility of her sister, 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams, also making a comeback. Venus openly expressed her desire to see Serena back on court, stating, “I keep saying to my team: The only thing that would make this better is if she was here. Like, we always did everything together, so of course I miss her.”
The elder Williams sister further fueled speculation by revealing that Serena recently joined her for a brief practice session. “She can take six months off and she clocks it clean,” Venus noted, highlighting Serena’s enduring talent. “You can’t teach that kind of talent. She’s just so good.”
Serena’s Past Hints at a Return
Serena Williams stepped away from professional tennis after the 2022 US Open, describing her departure as “evolving” away from the sport. However, she has consistently left the door open for a potential return. In the months following her last competitive match, Serena teased fans with social media posts, including one in May 2024 where she wrote, “I’m ready to hit some balls again.” Earlier, in late 2022, she stated that the chances of her returning to competitive action were “very high.”
The recent shared practice session with Venus, coupled with Serena’s recent induction into the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Hall of Fame, adds to the intrigue surrounding her future.
A Legacy of Dominance and Inspiration
The Williams sisters have collectively redefined women’s tennis, amassing an astonishing 30 Grand Slam singles titles and 18 major doubles championships, along with multiple Olympic gold medals. Venus, with seven major singles titles, continues to defy expectations, proving that age is merely a number when passion for the sport remains.
Her comeback in Washington, D.C., where she will face Peyton Stearns in the first round, is not just a personal challenge but a reminder of her enduring competitive spirit. While her full intentions beyond this tournament remain unconfirmed, her return is a testament to the powerful connection she has with tennis and an inspiring message to fans and aspiring athletes worldwide. The tennis world will undoubtedly be watching closely to see if Venus’s love for the game might indeed pave the way for a remarkable reunion on court with her sister.
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