Former world number one Venus Williams is poised to make her return at the Washington Open on Monday, approaching the game with a fresh sense of joy and determination after a tough year characterized by health challenges and time away from the court.
The 45-year-old, a seven-time Grand Slam champion, who has previously turned down wildcard entries for this tournament in the U.S. capital, now feels ready for the opportunity.
“Most of the time, I don’t accept wildcards,” Williams stated with a smile on Sunday. “But this time, I’ve been hitting the ball well. Plus, I love the game, and hard courts are my favorite surface where I feel most at ease. All of these elements came together.”
Instead of focusing solely on results, Williams is emphasizing the experience itself.
“My personal goal is to have fun and stay present, without putting too much pressure on myself,” she said. “At this moment, I don’t define success in a conventional way. It’s about believing in myself and remaining committed to the process, especially after some time off. That’s challenging, but that's where my focus lies.”
With five Wimbledon titles and two U.S. Open trophies in singles to her name, Williams also holds 14 Grand Slam doubles titles alongside her sister Serena. She last played at the Miami Open in March 2024 and hasn’t secured a match win since defeating Veronika Kudermetova in the first round of the Cincinnati Open in August 2023.
On Monday, she will compete against fellow American Peyton Stearns in the opening round of the WTA 500 event.
When it comes to her future in the sport, Williams chose to keep her plans private.
“I think I know what I want to do, but I don’t always feel the need to discuss it,” she shared. “Right now, I’m just focused on the present. Who knows what may lie ahead? Perhaps there’s more to come. As I said, I tend to keep my cards close to my chest.”
Williams also opened up about a serious health scare last year, when she underwent surgery to remove fibroids—non-cancerous but painful growths in the uterus.
“My health journey was really frightening,” she admitted. “A year ago, I was preparing for surgery. Playing tennis—or even considering the U.S. Open—was not an option. I was solely focused on healing.”
Despite these setbacks, Williams remains dedicated to her signature playing style.
“I’m still the same player,” she affirmed. “I’m a powerful hitter—that’s who I am. It’s about swinging big, while also ensuring the ball lands in the court. That’s my primary goal right now.”
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