Enjoyment More Important Than Results for Venus

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.

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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 favorite surface, what I feel comfortable on. So all those different factors."