Former World No. 1 Venus Williams is set to participate in the Mudabala Citi Open, marking a highly anticipated return to the sport. However, a massive debate is unfolding in online circles following a controversial moment involving the seven-time Grand Slam winner.
Venus Williams Asked ‘Inappropriate’ Question Ahead of Comeback to Tennis
A reporter probed Williams ahead of her comeback match. “At 45, you have everything going for you,” he asked the tennis champion. “It’s hot, it’s humid, you’re going to be grinding out there. Why?”
“Why not?” Williams replied bluntly.
“At 45… you have everything going for you. It’s hot, it’s humid, you’re going to be grinding out there. Why?”@Venuseswilliams: Why not? 🎤 #MubadalaCitiDCOpen pic.twitter.com/ErxQBsCpqY
— Mubadala Citi DC Open (@mubadalacitidc) July 21, 2025
The online community did not take kindly to the reporter’s question and suggested that the interviewer’s question was inappropriate.
“She could teach seminars on how to deal with the media,” a tennis journalist wrote of Williams’ response to the question.
She could teach seminars on how to deal with the media 🪄 https://t.co/V09aSAobyO
— Amy Lundy Dahl (@AmyLundyDahl) July 21, 2025
Another user on X wrote, “I will say this again, I don’t like these STUPID press conferences. Social media is here therefore, we don’t need to ask insipid questions. Those of you that are ANNOYED by Venus’ attitude- stay mad. Please note: The media has always doubted the Williams Sisters.”
I will say this again — I don’t like these STUPID press conferences. Social media is here therefore, we don’t need to insipid questions.
Those of you that are ANNOYED by Venus’ attitude- stay mad
Please note: The media has always doubted the Williams Sisters @serenawilliams— Laffy Taffy (@winggirle) July 21, 2025
“Honestly?” The Queen of gagging media,” a user wrote of Venus.
Honestly? The Queen of gagging media 😂
— Amini (@aminifonua) July 21, 2025
“She is so confident,” wrote another user, complimenting the American. “Do your thing Venus!”
She is so confident! Do your thing Venus!
— snowflake (@mesoshort) July 21, 2025
“She plays for fun and passion, and also for every aging women,” pointed out another netizen on X.
She plays for fun and passion, and also for every aging women. Nothing can’t stop you
— Olaave (@olaave) July 21, 2025
“That nod after the ‘why not’?,” another user wrote, admiring Williams’ response to the question.
That nod after the ‘why not’? pic.twitter.com/DoJvfvv0GM
— aprokoroyal (@MusingsRoyal) July 21, 2025
“I didn’t like this question,” said another user. “Good answer,” they added.
I diddnt like this question. Good answer.
— Beta (@betabetabeta222) July 21, 2025
“She really don’t give af about you haters,” wrote a fanpage dedicated to the older Williams sister.
She really don’t give af about you haters 🗣️👑 https://t.co/dJufTgLdbm
— inspirational ❤️ (@VeeSTARWilliams) July 21, 2025
Williams played her last WTA Tour match in March 2024, when she lost in the opening round of the Miami Open to Russia’s Diana Shnaider.
Williams Has Explained Why She Is Making Comeback at Washington D.C.
Williams, the owner of seven Grand Slam singles titles, has clarified that she is returning to tennis for sentimental reasons. Washington, D.C., feels like home to her.
“Playing here is like playing at home,” Williams said. “I have an older sister who lives here, a cousin who lives here, I mean lots of cousins, a niece, my great nephew, and on and on and on. So all my family are here. All my friends are here.”
Venus also entered the main draw in Washington, D.C., via a Wild Card three years ago. In the opening round, she faced qualifier Rebecca Marino and was eliminated with a score of 4-6, 6-1, 6-4.
Earlier this year, the organizers of the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells announced that Williams was set to participate. However, she pulled out of the event.
where is coco gauff????