Venus Williams returns to tour after 16 months at DC Open

Washington DC: Venus Williams will contest in her first tour in 16 months as the former world no.1 has been named in the DC Open draw.  Williams will have her first meeting with fellow American Peyton Stearns in the first round. This is Williams’ second appearance at the D.C. event, following a first-round loss in 2022.

She will also features in the women’s doubles with her partner Hailey Baptiste.

The 45-year-old Williams, who has won seven Grand Slam singles titles, last contested a draw at Miami in March of 2024. The North American summer hard-court season is officially underway, as the main draw for the WTA 500 Mubadala DC Open was released Saturday.

There will be 28 women vying for this year’s Washington title, including five Grand Slam singles champions. The top four seeds receive first-round byes.

World No. 4 Jessica Pegula leads the field as the No. 1 seed. Pegula won her first career WTA singles title right here in Washington, six years ago in 2019. The other side of this quarter features an all-American first round clash between Baptiste and 2020 Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin. No. 6 seed Kenin won their only previous meeting, at 2021 Roland Garros. IANS

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