Seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams has returned to the WTA Tour after a 16-month absence, accepting a wild card into the Mubadala Citi DC Open in Washington, D.C. The appearance is her first at tour level since the Miami Open in March 2024, a period during which the 45-year-old underwent surgery to remove uterine fibroids. Williams warmed up on 21 July with a doubles victory alongside fellow American Hailey Baptiste, defeating Eugenie Bouchard and Clervie Ngounoue 6-3, 6-1. A day later she beat world No. 35 Peyton Stearns 6-3, 6-4 in singles. The result makes Williams the oldest woman to win a WTA Tour singles match since Martina Navratilova triumphed at age 47 in 2004 and marks her first singles win since August 2023 in Cincinnati. Speaking to reporters, Williams said she is prioritising “fun and enjoying the moment” after a year of health challenges, adding that she is "focused on believing in myself and sticking to my process.” She plans to continue her comeback at the WTA 1000 event in Cincinnati next month. Williams also confirmed her engagement to Italian actor Andrea Preti, noting that his encouragement played a role in her decision to resume competition.