Williams Accepts Washington Invite After 16-month Absence

Seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams has accepted a wildcard for nan Washington Open successful what would beryllium her first competitory lucifer successful 16 months.

The 45-year-old has not competed since nan Miami Open successful March 2024 - and past won a lucifer astatine nan Cincinnati Open successful August 2023.

The erstwhile world number 1 is presently listed arsenic 'inactive' connected nan WTA website, meaning she does not person a ranking.

"There's thing genuinely typical astir DC - nan energy, nan fans, nan history," said Williams successful a statement.

"This metropolis has ever shown maine truthful overmuch emotion and I can't hold to compete location again."

The Washington Open - a WTA 500 arena - originates connected 21 July, and nan women's tie includes Britain's Emma Raducanu, Jessica Pegula, Naomi Osaka and American Amanda Anisimova, who faces Iga Swiatek successful Saturday's Wimbledon women's singles final.

Williams is simply a five-time Wimbledon champion and two-time US Open champion, having besides won 14 awesome titles alongside sister Serena Williams successful nan women's doubles.

She did not judge a wildcard for nan Indian Wells tourney earlier this year, saying she would beryllium "overseas".