Venus Williams Ahead Of Comeback: 'I'll Play Well, I Am Still The Same Player..'

Last Updated:July 21, 2025, 21:03 IST

Venus Williams, 45, returns to tennis at the Washington Open after a 16-month break, and will also compete in doubles with Hailey Baptiste.

Tennis legend Venus Williams (AP)

As the world eagerly awaits the return of tennis icon Venus Williams, the 45-year-old asserts she is still the same player and is confident she will perform well upon her return at the Washington Open after a 16-month hiatus.

Williams is set to face fellow American Peyton Stearns in the first round. This marks her second appearance at the D.C. event, following a first-round loss in 2022.

“I definitely feel I’ll play well. I’m still the same player. I’m a big hitter. I hit big. This is my brand. So it’s about hitting big and actually putting it in. So, this will be my effort: put it in the court. That’s my main goal," said Williams was quoted as saying at the press conference.

She will also compete in the women’s doubles with her partner Hailey Baptiste. Williams last participated in a draw at Miami in March 2024.

Who Is Venus Williams?

A seven-time Grand Slam winner, with two US Open titles and five Wimbledon championships, Williams shared that a trip to England for Wimbledon in June reignited her enthusiasm and excitement for a potential comeback.

“When I went to Wimbledon this year, I was there for a day, and it was so beautiful and exciting. I remembered all the times that I had, and of course, the adrenaline, all those things. I think just the pure fun of playing the game, the fun of the challenge, overcoming — when you play, you overcome so many challenges: your opponents, the conditions, a lot of times you have to overcome yourself. Those things are very exciting," she added.

This year’s Washington title will be contested by 28 women, including five Grand Slam singles champions. “I remember my first time coming here. I was about 13 years old — so definitely a love affair with D.C. This is very special for me to come back and play tennis. I think it’s a surprise for the fans and a surprise in general.

“In this last year, I have been through a lot physically, as well. So to come back and be able to play and hopefully enjoy myself is a great opportunity, so I’m very grateful to the tournament for the wild card," Williams concluded.

(With inputs from IANS)

Ritayan Basu

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket content, ha...Read More

Ritayan Basu, Senior Sub-Editor, Sports at News18.com. Has been covering domestic and and international football for nearly a decade. Has played and covered badminton. Ocassionally writes on cricket content, ha...

Read More

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Washington D.C., United States of America (USA)

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News sports Venus Williams Ahead Of Comeback: 'I'll Play Well, I Am Still The Same Player..'