Venus Williams’s return to tennis at the 2025 Citi DC Open following a hiatus of over 15 months sparked a flurry of questions from fans, critics, and pundits alike. However, Mark Ein, the tournament’s owner, addressed these inquiries and dispelled any skepticism surrounding her comeback.
Williams has accepted a wild card invitation to participate in the 2025 Citi DC Open, which will take place from Jul. 21 to Jul. 27, 2025, at the William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center in Washington, D.C. This marks her first appearance at the tournament since 2022, when she received a wild card entry into the main draw but was eliminated in the first round by qualifier Rebecca Marino, with a scoreline of 4-6, 6-1, 6-4.
Venus Williams Getting a Wild Card Was “World’s Easiest Call” To Make, Says Citi DC Open Tournament Owner Mark Ein
In a recent conversation with journalist Ben Rothenberg, Ein expressed that granting Williams a wild card was the “world’s easiest call” he has ever made. He mentioned that the former World No. 1’s presence is welcomed and cherished by the city and its fans, who are eager to see her back on the court, regardless of her current form.
“I think you have to trust someone like Venus Williams, that they are going to be the best judge of that. I think with the contribution that Venus has made to the sport–she’s made a big impact in our city, fans love to watch her play–I think it’s the world’s easiest call that if she wants to come play, we’re going to create the opportunity for her to play,” Ein said.
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Williams last competed on the WTA Tour at the 2024 Miami Open, where she also received a wild card entry but was defeated in the first round by Diana Shnaider, with a scoreline of 3-6, 3-6.
Who Will Venus Williams Play in the 2025 Citi DC Open 1R?
In the singles event of the 2025 Citi DC Open, Williams will begin her campaign by facing Peyton Stearns in the first round. The World No. 34 will enter the WTA 500 tournament following her participation in the grass court swing, where she competed in two tournaments: the 2025 Eastbourne Open and the Wimbledon Championships.
At the WTA 250 event, Stearns, seeded sixth, secured a victory against wild card Mimi Xu in the first round, winning 6-3, 6-4. Her run came to an end in the second round when she was eliminated by qualifier Kamilla Rakhimova, with a scoreline of 3-6, 4-6. At the London Major, the 23-year-old faced Laura Siegemund in the first round and was defeated 4-6, 2-6.
This match between Williams and Stearns will be their first encounter on the WTA Tour. The winner will advance to the second round, where they will face either fifth seed Magdalena Fręch or a qualifier.
In addition to her singles competition, Williams will also participate in the doubles event at the 2025 Citi DC Open, partnering with fellow American Hailey Baptiste. The duo has received a wild card entry into the main draw and will compete against another wild card team, Eugenie Bouchard and Hailey Baptiste, in the first round.
A full circle moment 😎
An eight-year-old @savvy_bap hit with @Venuseswilliams at a 2010 @WashKastles clinic. They’re now teaming up for doubles this week!#MubadalaCitiDCOpen pic.twitter.com/w3kq3YETv5
— Mubadala Citi DC Open (@mubadalacitidc) July 19, 2025
The victors of this match will move on to face either the team of Cristina Bucșa and Nicole Melichar-Martinez or the second-seeded pair of Taylor Townsend and Zhang Shuai in the quarterfinals.
