( ENSPIRE Entertainment ) After 16 Months Away, Venus Williams Returns to Compete on Her Terms
ENSPIRE Contributor: Kirah Smith
Photo Credit: Scott Taetsch (Getty Images)
Tennis legend Venus Williams has made her return to professional play at age 45, marking her first appearance in 16 months at the Mubadala Citi DC Open. After a year of recovery and personal healing, Williams is once again stepping onto the court — reigniting her presence in a sport she helped define.
Williams last competed in March 2024 at the Miami Open. Since then, she has undergone a challenging recovery period, including surgery in July 2024 to treat uterine fibroids — a health scare she described as both difficult and emotional.
Photo by Scott Taetsch (Getty Images)
“My health journey was very scary. This time a year ago, I was preparing to go to surgery — I was just trying to get healthy,” Williams shared during a press conference before the tournament.
Her decision to return wasn’t taken lightly. Williams turned down wild card entries earlier this year as she prioritized recovery, training, and listening to her body. The DC Open marks the moment she felt physically and mentally ready to compete again — on her own terms.
She’s set to face fellow American Peyton Stearns in the opening round of the WTA 500 tournament — her first match in over a year, and an opportunity to test herself against a new generation of competitors.
“I’m just here for now, and who knows? Maybe there’s more. But at the moment, I’m focused just on this,” Williams said, keeping the door open while remaining grounded in the present.
Photo by Scott Taetsch (Getty Images)
This comeback carries a different energy. Williams isn’t driven by rankings or records — her focus now is joy, presence, and personal fulfillment.
“My personal goal is to have fun and enjoy the moment, not put too much pressure on myself,” she told reporters. “I don’t know if I define success at this moment in any sort of way other than believing in myself and sticking to my process.”
With seven Grand Slam singles titles, more than two decades of elite competition, and a lasting legacy as a game-changer in women’s tennis, Venus Williams has little left to prove. And yet, her return isn’t about legacy — it’s about grit, resilience, and reclaiming her space.
Photo by Scott Taetsch (Getty Images)
Though she hasn’t announced her full tournament schedule, Williams hasn’t ruled out more appearances. For now, all eyes are on her return match in Washington, where fans remain eager to witness her brilliance.
Venus Williams continues to train and compete with the same grace and intensity that defined her early years. Her comeback sends a powerful message: greatness evolves, but never fades. She may be playing for herself now — but in doing so, she continues to inspire countless others.
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