Seven-time Grand Slam singles champion Venus Williams is set to make her return to professional tennis this week at the DC Open, marking her first match in 16 months. At 45, the American star is making a cautious return following a serious health scare last year, which kept her out of action since a first-round loss in Miami.

Williams accepted a wildcard entry into the Washington, D.C. tournament — the first hardcourt event leading up to the US Open — after a visit to Wimbledon reignited her love for the game.

“I think I know what I want to do, but I don’t always want to talk about it,” she said. “I’m just here for now. Maybe there’s more, maybe not. I hold my cards close. Right now, I’m just focused on this moment.”

Williams will face 23-year-old American Peyton Stearns in her opening match. Stearns, ranked 34th in the world, claimed her first WTA title last year on clay in Rabat.

While not setting concrete goals, Williams emphasized a mindset centered on joy and personal growth. “My goal is to have fun and enjoy the moment without putting too much pressure on myself,” she said. “Success for me right now is believing in myself and sticking to my process, which isn’t easy after such a long layoff.”

A former world No. 1 and 2000 Olympic singles gold medalist, Williams boasts five Wimbledon titles and two US Open victories. Her last WTA title came in 2019 at the Taiwan Open — the last year she played a full tour.

“I still believe I can play well,” she added. “I’m still a big hitter. That’s my brand — hit big and keep it in. That’s the goal.”

Reflecting on her recent health battle, Williams revealed, “A year ago, tennis wasn’t even a possibility. I was preparing for surgery and just trying to get healthy. It was a very scary time.”

Now, she’s grateful for the opportunity to compete again. “Returning to Wimbledon even briefly reminded me how much I love the game — the adrenaline, the atmosphere, the memories. It inspired me,” she said. “It’s the fun of the challenge, of overcoming. That’s what excites me.”

Williams’ seven Grand Slam singles titles equal the combined total of the rest of the DC Open field, which includes four-time major winner Naomi Osaka.