Venus Williams gives retirement update ahead of tennis return aged 45

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Fintan Starkey

By Fintan Starkey


Published: 21/07/2025

- 19:50

The tennis legend is making her first appearance in 16 months

Venus Williams has opened up on speculation she may be retiring from tennis as the 45-year-old gears up for her return.

The former world No1 has not played a match since the 2024 Miami Open, but has chosen to take a wildcard place at this week’s Citi Open in Washington.


Williams has not won a match in over two years and has fans wondering if she plans to make her US Open return when the Grand Slam begins next month.

Many thought the elder Williams was all but done with the sport she dominated for so long, but she has now revealed why she has chosen to come back, and how long she plans to stay around.

Venus Williams

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Venus Williams will play her first game in nearly a year and a half next week

The seven-time major winner has been offered wildcards by Tournament Director Mark Ein.

“Yeah, I feel like I have a joke with Mark every year. He's, like, ‘I have a wildcard for you’. Yeah, maybe I'll come. Most of the time I don't. But this time I had been hitting the ball,” Williams said.

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But the American kept her cards very close to her chest when questioned about the US Open.

She continued: "I'm just here for now, and who knows? Maybe there's more. Like I said, I hold my cards close, but at the moment, I'm focused just on this.

“I haven't played in a year. There is no doubt I can play tennis, but obviously coming back to play matches, it takes time to get in the swing of things.

"I definitely feel I'll play well. I'm still the same player. I'm a big hitter. I hit big. This is my brand.

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Venus WIliams

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Venus Williams has not won a match in over two years

“So it's about hitting big and actually putting it in. So this will be my effort: put it in the court. That's my main goal.

“I think I know what I want to do, but I don't always want to talk about it.”

In her absence from the court, Williams has picked up punditry, having been on TNT Sports' American coverage of the French Open earlier this year.

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It raised speculation at the time that the 45-year-old was done with tennis; however, she has proven that is not the case.

She also revealed that it isn’t something she would look at doing when she does retire.

She said: “It was very fun. I had the opportunity to work with TNT. It was so fun to work with TNT. I think they wanted to bring a new perspective to what was happening with the coverage,

Venus Williams

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Venus Williams took up commentary at this year's French Open

“I'm glad I got out of it without being cancelled. I don't know that it's something I would do full-time, but I think there are great moments to be involved in the game in that way, and that was a lot of fun.”

The tennis legend will take to the court for the first time in a year and a half next week as she looks to work her way through the Citi Open next week.