Venus Williams is back on the tennis scene, ready to compete for the first time in more than a year, and while she smiled or laughed frequently Sunday while discussing her return at the DC Open, there was something that would make her even happier: if her younger sister Serena were along for the ride.

Venus Williams, 45, is set to play fellow American Peyton Stearns on Tuesday in the Citi Open in Washington, D.C. – her first professional match in more than a year. Venus last match came in March 2024 when she lost in the first round of the Miami Open.

Venus Williams celebrates victory in the women's doubles at the Washington Open after a 16-month absence, while Britain's Dan Evans and Cameron Norris advance to the second round.