The tennis world is buzzing with anticipation. Venus Williams, who hasn’t competed professionally since March of 2024, just confirmed she’s coming back to the court. But this isn’t just any comeback. It’s happening at the tournament where Washington D.C. fans have been waiting three years.
Why Did Venus Williams Choose the Citi DC Open for Her Comeback?
Williams accepted a wild card invitation to participate in the 2025 Citi DC Open, scheduled from July 19 to 27 at the William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center in Washington, D.C. Currently listed as an ‘inactive’ player on the WTA website, Williams last competed on the professional tour in 2024.
That year proved challenging for the tennis legend. She participated in only two tournaments: the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells and the Miami Open, receiving wild card entries into both WTA 1000 events. However, Williams faced early exits in both tournaments, losing in the first round to qualifier Nao Hibino with a scoreline of 6-2, 3-6, 0-6 in California and to Diana Shnaider with a scoreline of 3-6, 3-6 in Florida.
Earlier in 2025, it was announced that Williams would compete at the BNP Paribas Open at Indian Wells as a wild card. However, she later confirmed her withdrawal from that tournament. The seven-time Grand Slam singles champion has now accepted a wild card for the Citi DC Open, marking her return to the tournament for the first time since 2022.
A legend returns ✨ @Venuseswilliams will make her first appearance in DC since 2022!#MubadalaCitiDCOpen pic.twitter.com/lLa6LCnG7B
— Mubadala Citi DC Open (@mubadalacitidc) July 11, 2025
What Star Power Will Williams Face at the DC Open?
Apart from Williams, several high-profile players will compete at the WTA 500 hard-court tournament in D.C. The field includes Naomi Osaka, Emma Raducanu, Jessica Pegula, Emma Navarro, Sofia Kenin, Clara Tauson, Marta Kostyuk, and Elena Rybakina, among others.
Meanwhile, the Citi DC Open’s official social media account recently shared a video of Williams practicing in preparation for her comeback, showing fans she’s serious about her return to competitive tennis.
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Reflecting on her return to the 2025 Citi DC Open, Williams expressed her enthusiasm about returning to the competition and the city. “I’m excited to accept a wild card to the Mubadala Citi DC Open. 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!” Williams said in a statement.
In her only previous appearance at this event in 2022, Williams received a wild card entry into the main draw but was defeated in the first round by qualifier Rebecca Marino, with a scoreline of 6-4, 1-6, 4-6. Now, after more than a year away from competitive tennis, she returns to the same stage where D.C. fans are eager to welcome her back.
