Venus Williams has marked her return to professional tennis at the DC Open after an over-year-long hiatus, reigniting excitement among fans while voicing a heartfelt wish: to share the court once more with her younger sister, Serena. The 43-year-old tennis icon, who last competed at the Miami Open in March 2024 before being listed as “inactive” by the WTA Tour, appeared in high spirits during pre-tournament remarks in Washington, D.C., though her reflections hinted at the absence of a longtime collaborator and rival.

“All I keep telling my team is that the one thing that would make this tournament even better is if Serena were here,” Venus said, referencing a recent social media clip showing Serena practicing. “We’ve always done everything together—of course I miss that.” Serena, who stepped back from professional tennis after the 2022 U.S. Open to focus on ventures beyond the sport, has not competed since marking 23 Grand Slam singles titles and 14 doubles victories alongside her sister. Venus, however, emphasized Serena’s enduring prowess during an impromptu joint training session. “She can take six months off and still hit the ball perfectly,” she noted. “That kind of talent can’t be taught.”

At 45, Venus remains a towering figure in tennis history, with seven Grand Slam singles titles—five at Wimbledon and two at the U.S. Open—and a former No. 1 ranking. Her comeback at the DC Open follows a first-round exit in Miami, a result that belies her determination to remain competitive. “We’re always hitting balls because that’s who we are,” she said, reflecting on their shared identity as athletes. Though her recent matches have been sparse, the sport’s governing bodies still recognize her influence, with the WTA’s “inactive” label underscoring her irregular schedule rather than retirement.

Serena’s future in the sport remains uncertain, with Venus declining to speculate on her plans. “I don’t ask those questions,” she said. “If she decides to return, she’ll announce it herself.” The sisters’ bond, forged through decades of collaboration, continues to define their public narratives. Venus’s return carries personal significance, as she described the moment as “very special” and a “surprise to fans,” given her tendency to “keep my cards close.”

For now, the spotlight rests on Venus as she navigates her latest chapter, balancing nostalgia for the past with quiet resolve. Her presence at the tournament, coupled with glimpses of Serena’s latent skill, offers a reminder of the Williams sisters’ indelible impact on tennis—a legacy that thrives even in the spaces between competition.