Venus Williams is stepping back onto the court this week at the DC Open after a 16-month break, following a serious health battle and a year away from competition, NaijNaira can report. At 45, the tennis veteran has accepted a wildcard entry, with no firm plans beyond this tournament.
According to AFP, Williams chose Washington after feeling inspired by a brief trip to Wimbledon. “It was so beautiful and exciting,” she said, recalling memories that pushed her to play again. Her first match will be against 23-year-old American Peyton Stearns, ranked 34th and winner of the 2023 Rabat title.
Williams hasn’t played since her first-round loss in Miami last year. “I’m just here for now,” she said. “I hold my cards close.” While she’s not defining success by results, she hopes to enjoy her time on court and trust her process. “My personal goal is to have fun.”
“I definitely feel I’ll play well,” she added. “I’m a big hitter. That’s my brand.”
She also opened up about her health: “A year ago I was preparing for surgery… I was just trying to get healthy.”
Now, she’s focused on the joy of competing again, especially on her favorite surface—hard courts.
Article updated 2 months ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
