Venus Williams is back. The seven-time Grand Slam champion will return to professional tennis later this month at the 2025 Mubadala Citi DC Open, a WTA 500 event held at the William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center in Washington, D.C.
The 45-year-old tennis legend accepted a wildcard into the main draw, making this her first competitive appearance since the 2024 Miami Open.
Williams hasn’t won a pro tennis match since August 2023. But her return to the tour has sparked excitement among tennis fans eager to see one of the sport’s most celebrated figures back in action.
A Triumphant Return — and a Goodbye?
This summer marks a potential final chapter in Williams’s storied career.
With five Wimbledon titles, two U.S. Open championships, and 14 Grand Slam doubles crowns with her sister Serena, Venus has defined generations of tennis. Her four Olympic gold medals and long reign as World No. 1 underscore her status as one of the game’s all-time greats.
Though she has struggled with injuries and Sjögren’s syndrome — a chronic autoimmune disease — Williams has continued to push forward, earning admiration for her perseverance and longevity in an increasingly demanding sport.
With her playing schedule uncertain and retirement rumors swirling, this could be Williams’s last season on tour. The DC Open offers a prime stage for a potential farewell run, or perhaps another late-career spark.
Whatever the outcome, her return is sure to be one of the most anticipated stories of the tournament.
Who Else Is Playing At the DC Open?
While Williams will be the center of attention, the 2025 DC Open women’s draw is loaded with talent.
World No. 3 Jessica Pegula, a former champion in D.C., headlines the field, along with Wimbledon finalist Amanda Anisimova, Emma Navarro, Zheng Qinwen, and defending champion Paula Badosa.
The tournament also features former Grand Slam champions Naomi Osaka and Emma Raducanu.
While the women’s draw is stacked with top talent, the men’s side is just as loaded.
Headlining the ATP 500 field are top Americans Taylor Fritz, Frances Tiafoe, Tommy Paul, and Ben Shelton, alongside international stars like Daniil Medvedev.
Two-time DC champion Nick Kyrgios is also set to return via a protected ranking, adding even more firepower and flair.
With seven of the ATP’s top 10 players in the field, the DC Open offers a high-stakes preview of the North American hard-court season heading into the U.S. Open next month.
Mubadala Citi DC Open Info and Tickets
The Mubadala Citi DC Open takes place from July 21–27, 2025, at the William H.G. Fitzgerald Tennis Center in Rock Creek Park.
Catch Venus Williams live in action as she returns to the nation’s capital. Tickets for early-round sessions are available starting at below $50, while all-session passes can be found on the resale market starting at under $800.
Category: WTA 500 / ATP 500
Dates: July 21–27, 2025
Location: William H.G. Fitzgerald Tennis Center, Washington, D.C.
Draw Size (WTA): 28 Singles / 16 Doubles
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