After a tough year marked by surgery and setbacks, Venus Williams is back on her favorite hard courts for the Washington Open, focusing on fun, strength, and self-belief.
Venus Williams Isn’t Just Coming Back—She’s Coming Back on Her Terms
At 45, Venus Williams is done chasing anyone else’s idea of success. After a year full of personal health battles and a long absence from the court, the seven-time Grand Slam champion is stepping back into the spotlight at the Washington Open—not to prove anything, but to play the sport she loves on the surface she knows best.
“My personal goal is to have fun and enjoy the moment, not put too much pressure on myself,” Venus said Sunday ahead of her first-round match.
That mindset? Pure Venus: honest, intentional, and quietly fearless.
A Return Rooted in Resilience
Williams hasn’t competed since March 2024 and hasn’t snagged a match win since August 2023, when she defeated Veronika Kudermetova in Cincinnati. That’s a tough stretch for any pro—but especially for one with her legacy.
She declined wildcard entries to the Washington Open in the past, but this year felt different.
“Most of the time I don’t (take up the offer to play as a wildcard),” she laughed.
“But this time I had been hitting the ball. And of course I love the game and the hard courts, it’s my favourite surface, what I feel comfortable on. So all those different factors.”
Fans will get to see her face fellow American Peyton Stearns in the opening round of the WTA 500 event on Monday.
Battling Health Off the Court
What’s even more impressive than her return? What she’s returning from.
In the past year, Venus underwent surgery to remove fibroids—benign but painful tumors that had sidelined her physically and emotionally.
“My health journey was very scary,” she said.
“You know, this time a year ago I was preparing to go to surgery. There was no way for me to play tennis or play the U.S. Open. I was just trying to get healthy.”
The layoff wasn’t just about missing tournaments—it was about getting her life back. That she’s even lacing up her shoes this week speaks volumes.
Same Game, Same Power
Despite the time away, Venus insists the blueprint hasn’t changed. She’s still bringing the heat.
“I’m still the same player. I’m a big hitter… This is my brand. So it’s about hitting big and actually putting it in. So this will be my effort – put it in the court. That’s my main goal.”
For younger players, that’s a reminder: Venus didn’t build her legacy with soft angles. She built it with power and guts.
What’s Next? Venus Is Keeping That to Herself
When asked if this tournament might be her last, Venus played it close to the chest—as she often does.
“I think I know what I want to do, but I don’t always want to talk about it.
I’m just here for now, and who knows? Maybe there’s more. Like I said, I hold my cards close, but at the moment, I’m focused just on this.”
For fans, that’s more than enough. Because watching Venus chase joy—not just trophies—is a privilege in itself.
Venus Williams Career Snapshot:
- Age: 45
- Grand Slam Singles Titles: 7 (5 Wimbledon, 2 U.S. Open)
- Doubles Titles: 14 Grand Slams (all with Serena)
- Last Match Win: August 2023 (Cincinnati)
- Health Update: Underwent fibroid surgery in 2024
Final Serve
Venus Williams doesn’t owe the game anything. But the fact she’s still showing up, swinging big, and smiling through the unknown? That’s a victory in itself.
For those tuning in to the Washington Open, don’t just watch for a win. Watch for a woman who’s found joy in the fight—and is still hitting like she means it.
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