Picture Credit: Twitter
In a significant development from the tennis world, Venus Williams is all set to participate in singles competition at the National Bank Open tournament next month. Event organisers notified the news via a tweet stating that Williams has received a wildcard for the WTA 1000 tournament.
The 42-year-old will join her sister Serena Williams, who also received a wildcard entry in the tournament. Venus' last outing was at the Chicago Women's Open, last year in August where she was outplayed in the first round to Hsieh Su-Wei. She won her last single outing at Wimbledon 2021.
Venus reacted on her participation by stating that she loves the city and tournament. "I simply love the city and I look forward to being back in Toronto," said Williams.
The competition's director Karl Hale expressed his excitement at the prospect of both the Williams sisters participating in the tournament by stating that both sisters meant a great deal to the sport.
"We are thrilled to have both the sister playing at the National Bank Open presented by Rogers this year. Venus and Serena meant a great deal to the sports and their participation puts a spark in everyone from the fans. They are two of the greatest players in history and we look forward to hosting them in Toronto," concluded Hale.
Venus Williams does not enjoy a decent record at the National Bank Open as she has only won ten out of the 20 matches at the tournament. Her best performance came in 2014, when she reached the summit-clash by beating Serena Williams. However, she was outplayed by Agnieszka Radwanska in the title clash.
Speaking of her recent form, Venus returned to action at Wimbledon last month, and partnered with Jamie Murray in mixed event. The British-American pair reached the second round after defeating Michael Venus and Alicja Rosolska 6-3, 6-7 (3), 6-3. They were outplayed by the British pair of Jonny O'Mara and Alicia Barnett in a thrilling three-setter.