Tennis: Venus Williams returns to court after 16-month layoff

Venus

Venus Williams will make her return from a 16-month layoff at this week’s DC Open, the seven-time Grand Slam singles champion saying Sunday she is not sure of anything beyond that.

The 45-year-old American overcame a serious health scare last year and, after enjoying a visit to Wimbledon, decided to accept a wildcard into the US capital tournament, the first hardcourt tuneup for the US Open.

“I think I know what I want to do, but I don’t always want to talk about it,” Williams said. “I’m just here for now. And who knows? Maybe there is more. I hold my cards close, but at the moment, I’m focused just on this.”

Williams will open against 23-year-old American Peyton Stearns, ranked 34th in the world. Stearns won her only WTA title last year on clay at Rabat. Punch