45-year-old Venus Williams to play first tour-level match in 16 months

For the first time since March last year, former world No.1 Venus Williams will return to the competitive scene on the WTA Tour.

The seven-time major champion is confirmed to partake in the Washington Open from July 17-27, which is a WTA 500 tournament.

Williams, who last appeared at the 2024 Miami Open, has accepted a wildcard to enter the singles main draw.

In a statement released by the event, Williams said that "there's something truly special about D.C." and added: "This city has always shown me so much love, and I can't wait to compete there again."

Williams, 45, has won five Wimbledon titles and two US Open titles, as well as a combined 16 Grand Slam doubles and mixed doubles majors.

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Earlier in February, the American legend was forced to clarify rumours that she accepted a wildcard into Indian Wells, a WTA 1000 event, stating that she would not be playing.

"No, I'm not playing," Williams said. "Actually, I found the announcement super amusing because, I don't know, people seem to be happy, so I was like, 'Maybe I'll just go with it, I don't know.' I'm actually not going."

On the WTA website, Williams is listed as "inactive" on the women's tour.

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