Venus Williams issues 'excited' Citi Open statement ahead of Emma Raducanu reunion

Venus Williams has revealed she is 'excited' after the iconic tennis star revealed she will be playing the Citi Open in Washington DC for the first time. The superstar will be one of six Grand Slam champions in the women's main draw, highlighting the deep draw expected to compete in the capital.

The 42-year-old, who made her professional debut in 1994, has accepted a wildcard for the WTA 250 tournament, which is due to start on August 1. Williams will be one of five women's Grand Slam champions. draw alongside British star Emma Raducanu, Simona Halep, Victoria Azarenka, Sloane Stephens and Sofia Kenin.

Williams, a seven-time Grand Slam singles champion, last competed in a WTA Tour event at the Chicago Women's Open in August 2021. She lost in the first round of that event, while her last victory came at Wimbledon 12 months ago when she beat Mihaela Burzarnescu 7-5 4-6 6-3 before losing to Ons Jabeur in the second round.

However, the American icon competed in mixed doubles while partnered with Jamie Murray at Wimbledon this year. The duo, who teamed up after siblings Serena and Andy teamed up at Championships in 2019, won their opening match before being knocked out in the second round.

READ MORE: Kyrgios makes 'pressure' confession to Sock ahead of Washington brace

Williams is excited to be playing the Citi Open as she said, "I'm excited to be playing the Citi Open for the first time this summer. I love Washington, DC, and returning to the nation's capital to play in front of a community that has supported me so strongly feels like going back to basics.

"I look forward to being back on the courts and competing in DC soon."

The 2022 tournament will mark the 10th anniversary of the women's tournament and the first time it has been held since 2019 due to the coronavirus pandemic. Citi Open President Mark Ein is thrilled to see a player of Williams' caliber entering the tournament, especially for the first time in her illustrious career.

DON'T MISSJOkovic's coach casts doubt on Alcaraz with commentary from Federer and Nadal READ MORE Woods and Nadal bond shows golf icon's commitment to fitness after Open

“We are thrilled to welcome Venus to Citi Open 2022 and Washington, DC, and give our fans a chance to cheer on one of the greatest athletes of all time in person,” Ein said. . "Venus is an icon who has transcended sport to become a role model for millions around the world and...