Former world No. 1 Venus Williams said she was embracing the challenge and joy of tennis after a difficult year marked by health concerns and time away from the court as the 45-year-old prepares for her return at the Washington Open on Monday.
The seven-time Grand Slam champion declined wild card entries into the tournament in the nation¡¯s capital in the past but said she felt up to the challenge this year.
¡°Most of the time I don¡¯t (take up the offer to play as a wild card),¡± she said with a laugh on Sunday.
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.