VENUS WILLIAMS is making a comeback to tennis…aged 45.
The American legend refuses to retire – three years after her younger sister Serena did exactly that – as she has surprisingly entered this month’s Washington Open.
The five-time Wimbledon winner is deemed “inactive” on the WTA list and her last official singles appearance was in Miami in March 2024.
Yet her decision to take a wildcard means she could decide to call it a day at the US Open – where she is twice a singles champion – later this summer.
Ahead of her return to the US capital, Williams said: “There’s something truly special about D.C.
“The energy, the fans, the history. This city has always shown me so much love, and I can’t wait to compete there again.”
The Washington DC event, which features both the WTA and ATP Tour, with the tournament running from July 21-27.
DC Open chairman Mark Ein said: “She has inspired people around the world with her accomplishments on the court and her visionary impact off the court.
“I know how much it means to our DC fans and community to be able to watch her compete in person this summer.”
Williams’ most recent Grand Slam appearances came in 2023, when she exited in the first round at Wimbledon – after slipping in the first set and hurting her right knee – and the US Open.
Williams was announced as a wildcard entry for this February’s BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells, before confirming she was not playing there after all.
Williams, 15 months older than 23-Grand Slam winner Serena, won her seven Grand Slam titles between 2000 and 2008.
The tennis legend won £32million in prize money over the course of her career.
She recently opened up about a private health battle with fibroids.
The last time Williams played a full schedule was 2019.
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