Venus Williams Returns to Tennis, Hopes for Her Sister Serena Comeback

Tennis icon Venus Williams is officially back on tour, making her return at the 2024 DC Open after more than a year away from competition. But for Venus, the comeback would be even more meaningful if it included her legendary younger sister, Serena Williams.

Speaking at a press conference ahead of her opening match, the 45-year-old smiled as she shared how much she missed having Serena by her side.

“I keep saying to my team: the only thing that would make this better is if she was here,” Venus said.

“We always did everything together, so of course I miss her.”

Serena, 43, hasn’t played a professional match since the 2022 US Open, where she signaled her retirement from tennis by saying she was “evolving” away from the sport. Her absence has left a noticeable void in the tennis world — and in Venus’s career, both as a competitor and as a sister.

A surprising return to the court

Venus’s return to competitive play was a welcome surprise for fans and the tennis community. Her last appearance on tour came at the Miami Open in March 2024, where she exited in the first round. The WTA had even listed her as “inactive” ahead of this week.

Her participation in Washington became official just a week before the tournament began, thanks to a wild-card entry. Venus’s team reached out to DC Open chairman Mark Ein back in April to gauge interest. His response was immediate.

“She’s such an icon of the sport — both on and off the court,” Ein said.

“It’s an honor to have her back.”

Serena still swings — just not professionally

When asked about a recent social media video showing Serena hitting balls again, Venus laughed.

“She can take six months off and still clock the ball clean,” she said.

“You can’t teach that kind of talent. She’s just so good.”

Venus explained that during one of her recent practices, Serena casually joined in for 15–20 minutes — a glimpse of the magic the sisters once brought to the sport together.

Still, Venus isn’t holding her breath for Serena’s return.

“I don’t know what she’s going to do. I don’t ask those questions. But if she comes back, I’m sure she’ll let y’all know,” Venus said with a grin.

Motivation, legacy, and moving forward

With seven Grand Slam singles titles, including five at Wimbledon and two at the US Open, Venus is already cemented as a tennis legend. But her love for the game continues to drive her.

“This is very special for me,” she said.

“Just the fun of playing the game, the challenge, the adrenaline — I missed all of it.”

Why now? Her answer was simple: “Why not?”

Venus hasn’t committed to playing beyond the DC Open but left the door open to more appearances.

“I’m just here for now, and who knows? Maybe there’s more,” she said.

“I haven’t played in a year. It takes time to get the rhythm back. But I definitely feel I’ll play well. I’m still a big hitter — that’s my brand.”

As Venus Williams steps back onto the court, fans are not only celebrating her enduring spirit but also quietly hoping for the dream scenario: seeing the Williams sisters together again, where they belong — on a tennis court, rewriting history.