Venus Williams is making a dramatic return to tennis at the age of 45 – and she’s sent a teasing invite to her sister Serena Williams.
The pair dominated the women’s game throughout the 2000s, winning 30 Grand Slam titles between them.
Venus Williams sent an enticing message to her sister on the eve of her return to tennis for the first time in 16 months. “The only thing that would make this better is if she were here,” Williams said about her sister.
This is what Serena Williams last said about returning to tennis after bowing out at the US Open in 2022.
Serena Williams is ‘torn’ about a return to tennis
Williams’ final campaign at the US Open was ended by Ajla Tomljanović in the third round and she hasn’t been seen on the tour since.
The star has often dropped hints about a return to the sport, most recently in March 2025 when she said she’s still good enough to play professional tennis.
“I think I feel torn because I’m still able to play at a very, very, very high level,” said Williams in an interview with E! in March 2025.
“With that being said, I always wanted to leave the game playing at a very high level,” added Williams. “I also wanted to walk away when I’m healthy and have a quality of life.
“I miss it,” announced the 23-time Grand Slam champion. “I’m like, ‘Oh my goodness. I gotta get out there’.”
Who is Venus Williams playing at the Washington Open?
Venus Williams’ first match for 16 months will see her play a compatriot on home soil as she looks to seal her return with a win.
Williams will play World No. 34 Peyton Stearns, who is looking to bounce back from a first round exit at Wimbledon.
Should Williams get through that All American clash, a second round match with Yuliia Starodubtseva or Magdalena Fręch awaits the seven-time Grand Slam winner.
Williams begins her Washington Open campaign on July 21.