Soon after the announcement that Venus Williams will play her first singles match in nearly 12 months at the August 8-14 National Bank Open in Toronto, the news is out that the American will return to competition earlier, at the August 1-7 Citi Open in Washington, D.C.
Seven-time Grand Slam singles champion and four-time Olympic gold medalist Venus Williams will make her Citi Open debut as a wildcard at the 2022 tournament in Rock Creek Park.
“I am excited to be playing the Citi Open for the first time this summer,” said Williams. “I love Washington, D.C. and returning to the nation’s capital to play in front of a community that has supported me so strongly feels like a homecoming. I am looking forward to being back on the courts and competing in DC soon.”
“We are thrilled to welcome Venus to the 2022 Citi Open and Washington, D.C. and to give our fans a chance to cheer for one of the greatest athletes of all time in person,” said Mark Ein, Citi Open Chairman. “Venus is an icon who has transcended sports to become a role model for millions of people around the world and in our community. The opportunity to watch her live at the Citi Open for the first time will be a life-long memory for all of our fans.”
The combined ATP/WTA event will host four former world No.1 players, seven Grand Slam champions, four former Citi Open titlists, four Olympic gold medalists and 10 Top 20 players among the men’s and women’s fields. The revived WTA 250 tournament will feature 32 singles competitors and 16 doubles teams.
I really hope Venus is able to put in a good showing