Venus Williams prioritising fun as she returns after 16-month absence from tennis

WASHINGTON – Former world No. 1 Venus Williams said that she was embracing the challenge and joy of tennis after a difficult year marked by health concerns and time away from the court, as the 45-year-old prepared for her return at the Washington Open on July 22.

The seven-time Grand Slam champion declined wildcard entries into the tournament in the nation’s capital in the past but said she felt up to the challenge in 2025.

“Most of the time I don’t (take up the offer to play as a wild card),” she said with a laugh on July 20.

“But this time I had been hitting the ball. And of course I love the game and the hard courts – it’s my favourite surface, what I feel comfortable on. So all those different factors.”

Williams is setting new personal goals, prioritising enjoyment over results.

“My personal goal is to have fun and enjoy the moment, not put too much pressure on myself,” she added.

“I don’t know if I define success at this moment in any sort of way other than believing in myself and sticking to my process. That’s not easy to do, especially after a layoff. So those are my goals.”

The American has won the Wimbledon singles title five times and the US Open twice, as well as 14 Grand Slam women’s doubles titles alongside her younger sister Serena.

She has not competed since the Miami Open in March 2024 and has not won a match since defeating Russia’s Veronika Kudermetova in the first round of the Cincinnati Open in August 2023.

She faces fellow American Peyton Stearns in the first round of the WTA 500 tournament on July 22.

Reflecting on her future in the sport, Williams remained characteristically private.

“I think I know what I want to do, but I don’t always want to talk about it,” she said.

“I’m just here for now, and who knows? Maybe there’s more. Like I said, I hold my cards close, but at the moment, I’m focused just on this.”

She also opened up about her health struggles including her surgery in 2024 to remove fibroids – painful but benign tumours that grow in the wall of the uterus.

“My health journey was very scary,” she said.

“You know, this time a year ago I was preparing to go to surgery. There was no way for me to play tennis or play the US Open. I was just trying to get healthy.”

Known for her powerful game, Williams is determined to stick to her strengths.

“I’m still the same player,” she said. “I’m a big hitter... 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.” REUTERS