Venus Williams could play her first competitive match in 16 months after accepting a wildcard for the Washington Open later this month.

Williams, who won seven singles titles at grand slams between 2000 and 2008, last competed at the Miami Open in March last year.

She was beaten 6-3 6-3 by Diana Shnaider in the first round of that event, with her most recent victory coming against Veronika Kudermetova at the Cincinnati Masters in August 2023.

The 45-year-old will be joined in the women's singles draw by the likes of Emma Raducanu, Jessica Pegula, Naomi Osaka and Amanda Anisimova, who will take on Iga Swiatek in the Wimbledon final on Saturday.

Venus Williams is headed to DC! 

The seven-time Grand Slam singles champion is returning to action on the Hologic WTA Tour after accepting 16-month absence.

Read More: https://t.co/Z0kiZbUFsd pic.twitter.com/EjIajmbvjc

— wta (@WTA) July 11, 2025

Williams, who rejected a wildcard for Indian Wells earlier this year, said in a statement: "There's something truly special about DC - the energy, the fans, the history.

"This city has always shown me so much love and I can't wait to compete there again."

The Washington Open, a WTA 500 event, begins on July 21 with the final taking place on Sunday, July 27.