Venus Williams, 45, accepts wildcard invitation to DC Open
Williams, who turned 45 in June, is listed as 'inactive' on the WTA Tour's website.
She hasn't competed in an official match since the Miami Open in 2024.
'There's something truly special about D.C.: the energy, the fans, the history,' Williams said in a statement released Friday by organizers of the hard-court tournament, which begins with qualifying next weekend. 'This city has always shown me so much love, and I can't wait to compete there again.'
Williams also played in the nation's capital in 2022.
'She has inspired people around the world with her accomplishments on the court and her visionary impact off the court,' said Mark Ein, chairman of the Mubadala Citi DC Open. 'I know how much it means to our D.C. fans and community to be able to watch her compete in person this summer.'
In February, the tournament in Indian Wells, California, announced that Williams would be making her return to the tour by playing there, then later backtracked and said it turned out she wouldn't.
Williams' most recent grand slam appearances came in 2023, when she exited in the first round at Wimbledon – after slipping in the first set and hurting her right knee – and the US Open.
Her five championships in singles at the All England Club came in 2000, 2001, 2005, 2007, 2008 and she won the 2000 and 2001 U.S. Open singles trophies, too. She also won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles alongside her younger sister, Serena, whose last tournament was the 2022 US Open, and a total of four Olympic gold medals.
The older Williams said in 2011 that she had been diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome, an energy-sapping auto-immune disease that can cause joint pain.
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Scottish Sun
12 minutes ago
- Scottish Sun
Inside the feud between golf rivals Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau as pair fight for The Open at Royal Portrush
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE simmering feud between golf rivals Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau is about to be turned up at this week's Open. The superstars from opposite sides of the Atlantic are set to collide on the course at Royal Portrush. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Bryson DeChambeau is gunning for the Claret Jug Credit: Reuters 5 Rory McIlroy is one of the favourites for The Open Credit: Shutterstock Editorial And with the Ryder Cup in New York fast approaching this autumn, there will be more fireworks to come. The rivalry has yet to explode into all-out animosity. But there is a growing sense of tension between the two protagonists - USA v Europe; the PGA Tour v LIV Golf; the artist v the scientist. The friction first became apparent during the US Open last year, when McIlroy's dramatic collapse over the closing holes opened the door for DeChambeau to win. The man from Northern Ireland reportedly left the course without stopping to congratulate DeChambeau, only doing so on Instagram a day later. read more in golf SCOT TO GO 'What is the point' - Emotional Scheffler reveals reason he could quit golf Things soured even further in December last year, when they met in Las Vegas for the Showdown, which saw McIlroy team up with Scottie Scheffler for the PGA Tour, to take on DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka from LIV. The pair met on the range before the event and McIlroy told a TV crew: 'I'd like to go up against Bryson and try to get him back for what he did to me at the US Open.' And DeChambeau replied: 'Well, to be fair, you kinda did it to yourself.' McIlroy is thought to have been upset by the quip, which was considered cruel. BEST ONLINE CASINOS - TOP SITES IN THE UK The duo then played alongside together in the last pairing of the final round of the Masters in April this year. McIlroy famously won in a play-off over Justin Rose, after one of the most white-knuckle gut-wrenching final rounds in history. DeChambeau later gave a sparky response when asked how Rory had coped, saying: 'No idea, he didn't talk to me once all day.' McIlroy later fired back: 'I don't know what he was expecting. We're trying to win the Masters. I'm not going to try to be his best mate out there.' Rory McIlroy explains haircut at Scottish Open Their rivalry is not yet up there with Ali v Frazier, but it is not going away. The two are both among the richest and most successful stars of their sport. McIlroy's Masters triumph completed the Grand Slam of all four majors and took him to 44 professional wins, including five major championships. DeChambeau has managed 14 professional victories, which includes two major titles. 5 McIlroy filed for divorce after seven years with Erica Credit: Getty Images - Getty 5 McIlroy won the Masters after a whirlwind 12 months that saw him call off his divorce from wife Erica Stoll Credit: Getty As a result of their achievements on the course, McIlroy's net worth is estimated to £260m, while DeChambeau has around £145m. McIlroy owns multiple luxurious properties the world, including a Florida mansion, a house in La Quinta, California mansion, an estate in Northern Ireland, and apartments in New York and Dubai. He also has a new mansion being custom made on the exclusive Wentworth estate in Surrey. Inside Rory McIlroy's whirlwind love life RORY MCILROY enjoyed a high-profile romance with former tennis world number one Caroline Wozniacki before their split in 2014. The following year, the golf ace began dating Erica Stoll, who he had first met on the PGA Tour in 2011. Erica often interacted with players through her role as the PGA's manager of championship volunteer operations. She even prevented McIlroy from missing his tee time at the 2012 Ryder Cup after some confusion over the time zone. The incident began a firm friendship between the pair, four years before their relationship turned romantic. McIlroy and Erica were spotted on a string of dates in Rochester, New York, in the early days of their relationship. Just eight months later, the couple got engaged in Paris and walked down the aisle at Ashford Castle in Ireland in 2017. The pair then welcomed daughter Poppy into the world three years later. Throughout their time together, McIlroy and Erica have kept their relationship to themselves, with the golfer keen to protect his family from the cameras during filming of Netflix's Full Swing documentary series. However, after seven years of marriage, McIlroy filed for divorce from Erica. The reasons for the divorce were not disclosed, but the Northern Irishman submitted documents to a court in Florida. However, a few weeks later, performed a U-turn on their decision to divorce. McIlroy told the outlet: "Thankfully, we have resolved our differences and look forward to a new beginning.' DeChambeau recently sold his swanky mansion in Texas to move into another in the same area. He is rumoured to be dating Lilia Schneider, a college golfer from ndianapolis. They have been pictured sharing a buggy at a LIV event. DeChambeau had previously dated another college golfer, Hunter Nugent, but she revealed that they had parted in 2022 and that Schneider was now with the American. He also used to date Sophia Phalen Bertolami who launched her own line of swimwear line with La Isla for a 'large cup' bikini wearer. 5 Sophia Phalen Bertolami launched a range of bikinis Credit: Instagram @sophiaandstella McIlroy's love life is equally complicated. Last year his marriage to wife Erica Stoll looked to be over as they prepared to divorce, before a surprise change of heart and a dramatic U-turn on legal proceedings. Before that, he spent three years with Danish tennis beauty Caroline Wozniacki before breaking off their engagement in a phone call that lasted just three minutes. In 2014, McIlroy was romantically linked with Meghan Markle, before she married Prince Harry. The pair flirted in a video shared on social media, as he helped her take part in the Ice Bucket Challenge, a viral trend adopted by many celebs to raise money for ALS.
The Sun
12 minutes ago
- The Sun
Inside the feud between golf rivals Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau as pair fight for The Open at Royal Portrush
THE simmering feud between golf rivals Rory McIlroy and Bryson DeChambeau is about to be turned up at this week's Open. The superstars from opposite sides of the Atlantic are set to collide on the course at Royal Portrush. 5 5 And with the Ryder Cup in New York fast approaching this autumn, there will be more fireworks to come. The rivalry has yet to explode into all-out animosity. But there is a growing sense of tension between the two protagonists - USA v Europe; the PGA Tour v LIV Golf; the artist v the scientist. The friction first became apparent during the US Open last year, when McIlroy's dramatic collapse over the closing holes opened the door for DeChambeau to win. The man from Northern Ireland reportedly left the course without stopping to congratulate DeChambeau, only doing so on Instagram a day later. Things soured even further in December last year, when they met in Las Vegas for the Showdown, which saw McIlroy team up with Scottie Scheffler for the PGA Tour, to take on DeChambeau and Brooks Koepka from LIV. The pair met on the range before the event and McIlroy told a TV crew: 'I'd like to go up against Bryson and try to get him back for what he did to me at the US Open.' And DeChambeau replied: 'Well, to be fair, you kinda did it to yourself.' McIlroy is thought to have been upset by the quip, which was considered cruel. The duo then played alongside together in the last pairing of the final round of the Masters in April this year. McIlroy famously won in a play-off over Justin Rose, after one of the most white-knuckle gut-wrenching final rounds in history. DeChambeau later gave a sparky response when asked how Rory had coped, saying: 'No idea, he didn't talk to me once all day.' McIlroy later fired back: 'I don't know what he was expecting. We're trying to win the Masters. I'm not going to try to be his best mate out there.' Their rivalry is not yet up there with Ali v Frazier, but it is not going away. The two are both among the richest and most successful stars of their sport. McIlroy's Masters triumph completed the Grand Slam of all four majors and took him to 44 professional wins, including five major championships. DeChambeau has managed 14 professional victories, which includes two major titles. 5 5 As a result of their achievements on the course, McIlroy's net worth is estimated to £260m, while DeChambeau has around £145m. McIlroy owns multiple luxurious properties the world, including a Florida mansion, a house in La Quinta, California mansion, an estate in Northern Ireland, and apartments in New York and Dubai. He also has a new mansion being custom made on the exclusive Wentworth estate in Surrey. RORY MCILROY enjoyed a high-profile romance with former tennis world number one Caroline Wozniacki before their split in 2014. The following year, the golf ace began dating Erica Stoll, who he had first met on the PGA Tour in 2011. Erica often interacted with players through her role as the PGA's manager of championship volunteer operations. She even prevented McIlroy from missing his tee time at the 2012 Ryder Cup after some confusion over the time zone. The incident began a firm friendship between the pair, four years before their relationship turned romantic. McIlroy and Erica were spotted on a string of dates in Rochester, New York, in the early days of their relationship. Just eight months later, the couple got engaged in Paris and walked down the aisle at Ashford Castle in Ireland in 2017. The pair then welcomed daughter Poppy into the world three years later. Throughout their time together, McIlroy and Erica have kept their relationship to themselves, with the golfer keen to protect his family from the cameras during filming of Netflix's Full Swing documentary series. However, after seven years of marriage, McIlroy filed for divorce from Erica. The reasons for the divorce were not disclosed, but the Northern Irishman submitted documents to a court in Florida. However, a few weeks later, performed a U-turn on their decision to divorce. McIlroy told the outlet: "Thankfully, we have resolved our differences and look forward to a new beginning.' DeChambeau recently sold his swanky mansion in Texas to move into another in the same area. He is rumoured to be dating Lilia Schneider, a college golfer from ndianapolis. They have been pictured sharing a buggy at a LIV event. DeChambeau had previously dated another college golfer, Hunter Nugent, but she revealed that they had parted in 2022 and that Schneider was now with the American. He also used to date Sophia Phalen Bertolami who launched her own line of swimwear line with La Isla for a 'large cup' bikini wearer. McIlroy's love life is equally complicated. Last year his marriage to wife Erica Stoll looked to be over as they prepared to divorce, before a surprise change of heart and a dramatic U-turn on legal proceedings. Before that, he spent three years with Danish tennis beauty Caroline Wozniacki before breaking off their engagement in a phone call that lasted just three minutes. In 2014, McIlroy was romantically linked with Meghan Markle, before she married Prince Harry. The pair flirted in a video shared on social media, as he helped her take part in the Ice Bucket Challenge, a viral trend adopted by many celebs to raise money for ALS.
The Herald Scotland
25 minutes ago
- The Herald Scotland
Scottie Scheffler delves into meaning of life at The Open
We're not sure if the inquisitor survived Monty's subsequent wrath. Yesterday, in the build-up to this week's 153rd championship here at Royal Portrush, there were more questions than answers. Scottie Scheffler was in such a contemplative mood at his press conference, he may as well have been perched on a plinth like Rodin's sculptor of The Thinker. As he mulled over his Open prospects, and reflected on his ascension to No 1 in the world, the three-time major winner delved deep into his powerful internal struggle. 'What's the point?,' he said. Funnily enough, that's what the golf writers often mutter to ourselves as we churn out thousands of words about men thwacking small balls about. Scheffler's existential examination made for intriguing listening. 'Is it great to be able to win tournaments and to accomplish the things I have in the game of golf?' he added as the reigning US PGA champion embarked on the kind of profound ponderings you'd get when Socrates and Plato met for a blether after the Saturday medal. 'Yeah, it brings tears to my eyes just to think about, because I've worked my entire life to be good at this sport. To have that kind of sense of accomplishment is a pretty cool feeling. To get to live out your dreams is very special. 'But, at the end of the day, I'm not out here to inspire the next generation of golfers. I'm not out here to inspire someone to be the best player in the world, because what's the point? "This is not a fulfilling life. It's fulfilling from the sense of accomplishment, but it's not fulfilling from a sense of the deepest places of your heart. 'I think it's kind of funny. To win the Byron Nelson Championship at home (earlier this season), I'd worked my entire life to have an opportunity to win that tournament. "You win it, you celebrate, get to hug the family, my sister's there, it's such an amazing moment. Then it's like, 'okay, what are we going to eat for dinner?' Life goes on.' It certainly does. In the world of golf, the touring circus rolls along so quickly there's barely time to savour the successes. And when success comes, what do you do next? 'There are a lot of people who make it to what they thought was going to fulfil them in life, and you get there, and you're like, 'what's the point?',' he added. 'I really do believe that, because what is the point? Why do I want to win this tournament so bad? 'That's something I wrestle with on a daily basis. Showing up at the Masters every year, it's like, 'why do I want to win this golf tournament so badly? Why do I want to win The Open Championship so badly?' 'I don't know because, if I win, it's going to be awesome for two minutes. Then we're going to get to the next week and we're back here again. 'Playing professional sports is a really weird thing to do. We put in so much effort, we work so hard for something that's so fleeting. It really is. The feeling of winning just doesn't last that long. It's an unsatisfying venture.' Motivating himself to get up, put in the hard graft and be the best golfer he can be is not a problem for Scheffler. It's the deeper meaning that's at the root of his chin-stroking. His family and his faith are his focal points. As for golf? Well, it's only a game, isn't it? 'I love the challenge, I love being able to play this game for a living,' he said. 'It's one of the greatest joys of my life, but does it fill the deepest wants and desires of my heart? Absolutely not. 'That's why I talk about family being my priority because it really is. I'm blessed to be able to come out here and play golf, but if my golf ever started affecting my home life or if it ever affected the relationship I have with my wife or my son, that's going to be the last day that I play out here for a living. This (golf) is not the be all and end all. 'That's why I wrestle with it, because I'd much rather be a great father than I would be a great golfer. At the end of the day, that's what's more important to me.' The meaning of life, eh?
