Venus Williams posts first message on social media since going out of the Washington Open

Venus Williams’ first WTA tournament in over a year has come to an end.

The American had not played since the 2024 Miami Open, but she accepted a wildcard to compete at the Citi Open in Washington D.C.

At 45, Williams beat Peyton Stearns in round one and became the oldest woman to win a WTA Tour match since Martina Navratilova in 2004.

But Williams could not overcome Magdalena Frech, who claimed a 6-2, 6-2 win to end the former world number one’s magical week.

Photo by Tom Brenner For The Washington Post via Getty Images

Venus Williams thanks the Citi Open crowd for their support on social media

The stands were packed for each of Venus Williams’ matches at the Citi Open.

She contested two singles matches and also two in the women’s doubles, alongside compatriot Hailey Baptiste.

Williams and Baptiste defeated Eugenie Bouchard and Clervie Ngounoue 6-3, 6-1, but they came up short against the second-seeded team Taylor Townsend and Zhang Shuai in round one.

Williams was pleased with her efforts in America’s capital and she used social media platform X to thank the fans for their support.

“Coming back to DC reminded me just how much this game means to me,” the seven-time Grand Slam champion wrote.

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“Thank you @mubadalacitidc for the support, the energy, and the love. See you soon @cincytennis.”

Photo by Aaron Doster/Getty Images

Where will Venus Williams play next?

Williams’ comeback will continue at the Cincinnati Masters, a WTA 1000 event.

This tournament usually features all the world’s best, and it is the last tournament played at this level before the US Open.

Before beating Stearns at the Citi Open on Tuesday, Williams’ last victory came in Cincinnati, back in 2023 against Veronika Kudermetova.

Now Williams will hope to add some more wins to her esteemed résumé, and she is thrilled to have the chance to play in Ohio again.

“It’s going to be amazing,” she said of her return to Cincinnati. “There’s so many learnings from here. 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. 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.”

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