WASHINGTON — Venus Williams took the Mubadala Citi DC Open by storm.

Williams could not overcome 27-year-old Magdalena Frech, 6-2, 6-2, in the second round of the tournament on Thursday, July 24. Williams has not won back-to-back matches since 2019. Venus Williams and Hailey Baptiste won their first-round match in doubles play on Monday, but the duo fell short of reaching the third round.

MASON, Ohio — Venus Williams' return to professional tennis will not just be a one-tournament visit: She was awarded a wild-card entry on Wednesday for next month’s Cincinnati Open. The 45-year-old Williams is participating in her first event in more than a year this week at the DC Open and won first-round matches in both singles and doubles.

The tennis champion was first linked to actor-producer Andrea Preti in July 2024 when they were spotted on vacation together in the Amalfi Coast, Italy. In February, Venus also sparked engagement rumours when she was photographed wearing a diamond ring on her left hand.

Speculation about the couple’s status has been ongoing since they stepped out in Rome together earlier this year.

Venus Williams' comeback might result in a US Open spot, but it's unclear if the 45-year-old seven-time Grand Slam title winner will request one.

SportsLine tennis expert Blake Von Hagen reveals his 2025 Mubadala Citi DC Open picks for Tuesday's women's first-round match between Peyton Stearns and Venus Williams

The U.S. Department of Labor requires employers to provide health insurance to former employees who lost their jobs, retired, or other qualifying circumstances. The plan, called Cobra, is typically only available for 18 months.