Venus Williams made a triumphant return to competitive tennis after 16 months on the sidelines. The American legend teamed up with Hailey Baptiste in doubles at the Citi Open, and the duo eliminated Eugenie Bouchard and Clervie Ngounoue in the first round on Monday.
Williams, who received a wildcard entry into the WTA 500 event, is now set for a comeback in singles as well. Although the 45-year-old hadn’t officially retired, an extended hiatus of over a year resulted in her being considered inactive, making her return even more surprising. Williams’ wildcard entry may have raised eyebrows, but Rick Macci, her former coach, didn’t hold back in defending that.
What Did Venus Williams’ Former Coach Say About Her Wildcard Entry Into the Citi DC Open?
The WTA 500 event in Washington is scheduled to take place from July 21 to 27, 2025, at the William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center in Washington, D.C. Notably, it will mark Venus Williams’ first tour appearance since 2022. Three years ago, she also received a wildcard into the main draw in Washington, but fell to Rebecca Marino 4-6, 6-1, 6-4 in the opening round.
The seven-time Grand Slam champion’s comeback after a prolonged hiatus has sparked considerable attention in recent weeks. Tournament owner Mark Ein recently said that granting her a wildcard was the ‘world’s easiest call’ he’s ever made, adding that she would be warmly welcomed by both the city and its fans.
Recently, Macci, who coached the 45-year-old during the early stages of her career, responded to critics who questioned her wildcard entry. He said wildcards are meant to draw attention and sell tickets, and that there’s no such thing as a deserving or undeserving recipient.
“People chirping the Vee does not deserve a WILDCARD into the tournament. Wildcards are for the tournaments to decide what sell tickets/ get eyeballs. Nobody deserves a WILDCARD. There is no formula who gets the CARD but VEE will dive in and try Hard,” he wrote on X.
People chirping the Vee does not deserve a WILDCARD into the tournament. Wildcards are for the tournaments to decide what sell tickets/ get eyeballs. Nobody deserves a WILDCARD. There is no formula who gets the CARD but VEE will dive in and try Hard. @Venuseswilliams
— Rick Macci (@RickMacci) July 21, 2025
Williams last appeared on the WTA Tour at the 2024 Miami Open, falling in the opening round to Diana Shnaider.
Venus Williams Is Excited for Her Comeback at the Citi DC Open
The seven-time Major champion also spoke about her return during her pre-tournament press conference, noting that she considers Washington DC home, with many of her family members living in the city.
“I am so excited to be here in DC. Playing here is like playing at home. 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,” Williams said.
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The 45-year-old has carved out her legacy as a true icon, winning 49 singles titles, including seven Grand Slams, and rising to World No. 1. She was especially dominant at Wimbledon, winning five titles, and added two more at the US Open.
