Venus Williams’ comeback at the Citi Open in Washington D.C. is now over.
The seven-time Grand Slam champion entered the WTA 500 and played singles action for the first time since the 2024 Miami Open.
Williams defeated Peyton Stearns in the opening round in America’s capital city, which was her first victory since the 2023 Cincinnati Masters.
Williams set up a clash with Magdalena Frech in round two, where the former world number one met her match.
Venus Williams says she ‘ran out of gas’ against Magdalena Frech at the Citi Open
Venus Williams played against Frech for the first time in her career in the second round of the Citi Open.
She took an early 2-1 lead in the first set, but the 45-year-old won just two more games for the rest of the match.
Williams made 32 unforced errors and hit five double faults as Frech coasted to a 6-2, 6-2 win and will face Elena Rybakina in the next round.
Post-match, the former world number one said she ran out of steam but is pleased with the four matches she played across singles and doubles at the Citi Open.
“I’m so grateful. I feel like I ran out of gas today, unfortunately. I tried to find the energy, and I didn’t find it. But, you know, four matches in the first week is a lot. You know, I love playing doubles,” she said.
“One of the reasons you don’t play is usually you’re just trying to save your energy, and plus it’s hot. When you’re doing the training and the warmup, you’re spending an extra hour sweating it out.
“I’m really grateful. I think without that doubles match, I don’t know if I could have played as well in the singles.
“So I think everything served its purpose this week. I’m sorry to have fallen short, but I know I can play better and I know I will play better.
“Congratulations to Magda today. I hope we get another chance to play this summer so I can play a little better next time.”
Venus Williams is set to play at the Cincinnati Masters after being given a wildcard
Williams’ summer comeback is set to continue as she has been awarded a wildcard to enter the Cincinnati Masters.
Following the impression she made in Washington D.C., the WTA 1000 event is thrilled to have Williams back for the first time since 2023, and the American is excited to make her return.
“Yeah, the fans there are epic too. It’s going to be amazing. There’s so many learnings to take from here,” Williams added.
“I know exactly what I need to work on, where I can improve. The good news is I’m always in control of the point. The important part is to put the ball in.
“So this is one thing I didn’t do today. Was I in control? Absolutely. Will I be in control of most of my matches? Most likely, yes. That’s the place I want to be, so I’m putting myself in that position. That’s what counts.”
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
