Venus Williams has made it abundantly clear that tennis is her life, and she has no plans to walk away from the sport she loves. At 45, an age when many would consider retirement, Williams remains determined to compete and continue pursuing what gives her purpose.
Now fully fit, reports suggest that the seven-time Grand Slam champion is gearing up for a comeback at the start of 2026, with strong indications pointing toward the Auckland Open as her first tournament of the new season.
More than rumors: Venus Williams returns to professional action
With a wild card invitation, Venus Williams is set to take part in the ASB Classic in January, marking her official return to competition. The legendary US player, whose name is synonymous with resilience and excellence, is ready to add another chapter to her illustrious career.
The official ASB Classic account confirmed her participation, sparking excitement among tennis fans worldwide. Now, all that remains is the countdown to her highly anticipated comeback, as she prepares to once again showcase her trademark power and grace on the court.
2025: A year of renewal for Venus Williams
For Venus, 2025 has symbolized rebirth. After battling injuries for 16 long months, she returned to the tour proving that she could still perform at a high level. Her physical recovery and mental strength have reignited her competitive drive.
This year, she competed in three events, beginning with the Washington Open, where she defeated world No. 35 Peyton Stearns in the opening round. Later, at the US Open, she pushed No. 13 Karolina Muchova to the limit. Although she ultimately lost that match, Williams showed flashes of her old brilliance. It’s only a matter of regaining rhythm, she insists.
Reflecting on her journey, she told reporters:
Here I am at this year is so much different where I was at last year. It’s night and day, being able to prepare for the tournament as opposed to preparing for surgery a year ago.
Her comeback has not gone unnoticed. Former tennis star Andy Roddick expressed admiration for Venus’s persistence during his podcast Served:
Can we talk about Venus Williams at 45 years old? I’m 42, and I grunted six times when I got out of bed this morning.
Praise ahead of her Auckland appearance
Nicolas Lamperin, director of the ASB Classic, also praised the tennis icon:
She is one of the great players in the modern era and her performances on the court speak for themselves. Off the court she has made an equally significant contribution to the game and to the development of female players world-wide. Venus has had a profound influence on the evolution of women’s tennis and has inspired the next generation with her unshakeable passion for the sport.
All sports fans should take this opportunity to watch one of the sport’s all-time greats in action.
Tickets for the event are expected to sell out quickly, as no one will want to miss seeing Venus Williams, a living legend, back where she belongs: on the court.
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