The DC Open feels like home turf for Venus Williams, who once ruled the capital with the Washington Kastles, helping clinch five World TeamTennis titles. With Kastles owner Mark Ein now steering the Citi Open, Venus even laughed about the countless wild cards he’s thrown her way. “Of course I love the game, and the hard courts, it’s my favorite surface, what I feel comfortable on,” she shared ahead of her first match with Hailey Baptiste, her return since the 2024 Miami Open. Now, after Williams sealed a triumphant start in D.C. for herself, former US Open champ Andy Roddick didn’t hold back, making it clear where he stands on Venus getting that wildcard shot in New York.

In the latest episode of Served, Andy Roddick and Jon Wertheim dove into the biggest tennis headlines of the week, the front and center of which was Venus Williams, who just accepted a wildcard into the 2025 DC Open. When asked about his take on the move, Roddick didn’t hesitate. “It’s a no-brainer,” he said flatly. “I mean, if you’re Mark and you own the tournament, and one of the things I always say—like anyone can probably get a wild card at any time, any place.” For Roddick, this wasn’t just about favoritism; it was about legacy, impact, and sheer respect.

He doubled down with more perspective. “I don’t care if Roger wanted one next week. You let him in if you’re in a tournament. And you know, this is a win for DC. Having Venus around for one more week.” The former US Open champ pointed out the obvious anticipation swirling around Venus’s return: “Yeah, we’re all going to be watching and say, What level will she be at? You know, anyone coming back after not having played for a year, it’s not easy.”

Age, too, wasn’t something Roddick dodged on the Served podcast. He confronted it head-on. “And especially, you know, 45 turns to 46 turns to 47. It gets a little tougher every year,” he admitted, “but it’s a no-brainer.” For Roddick, giving Venus a shot wasn’t about age or time away; it was about honoring greatness and giving fans one more taste of a generational icon.

Then came the fire. “She’s going to come out and try to beat the crap out of the ball. I don’t care if she loses,” Roddick declared. “You can save all your ‘She shouldn’t get a wild card.’ If you won five Wimbledon titles, seven majors, and you’re part of the most iconic tennis family in history, this is a win for the tournament at Washington, DC, the city of Washington, DC.” His words echoed like a rallying cry for respect where it’s long overdue.

When the conversation shifted to Venus potentially playing the US Open, Andy hinted at something bigger unfolding. “I have a feeling we’re trending towards that,” he speculated. “I don’t know why you play Washington all of a sudden if you don’t have the intent to play the US Open.” He clarified he had no insider scoop, but added, “It would seem like DC will lend itself to another event.”

Andy didn’t stop there. He painted a broader picture of what wildcards mean. “If you have a seven-time major champ, you either have someone who you want to give a boost to on the way up or a champion that is either saying goodbye and or trying to claw back something.” Whether Venus is writing her final chapter or gearing up for another run, Andy made it clear, her spot is earned.

Closing it all out, Roddick added the final punch: “If she plays fine and is generally competitive, you know basically what we’re asking is, is she going to be better than some 15-year-old who gets a direct exemption from winning a junior tournament? She’s probably just as good as that, absolutely. So it doesn’t offend me.” 

And while Roddick clears the air on his stance, Venus, too, seems to be building momentum, fresh off a winning doubles return, eyes set on the horizon.

Venus Williams opens up after her doubles victory at Citi Open

Venus Williams is back in orbit. After more than a year away from the game, the 45-year-old icon soared to victory in her first match since 2023, partnering with Hailey Baptiste in a dominant doubles win at the Mubadala Citi DC Open. Together, the wild card duo dismantled Eugenie Bouchard and Clervie Ngounoue, 6-3, 6-1, thrilling a packed John A. Harris Grandstand that featured none other than NBA legend and DMV native Kevin Durant.

“After the match Hailey asked me, ‘How did that feel?’ It’s probably even harder to play the doubles first because I’m not a doubles player!” Venus laughed after the match. A modest claim from the former world No. 1, who just happens to own 14 Grand Slam doubles titles and three Olympic golds beside sister Serena.

Her return comes after a grueling stretch of injuries and a major health battle. Venus last played singles at the 2024 Miami Open, where she fell in the first round. Since then, she underwent surgery to remove non-cancerous uterine fibroids, pain she quietly endured for decades.

“Where I am at this year is so much different where I was at last year. It’s night and day,” Venus admitted. “Being able to be here and prepare for the tournament as opposed to preparing for surgery a year ago.” Her words cut deep, echoing resilience forged in fire.

With a doubles victory now fueling her momentum, Venus steps into a high-stakes clash against 23-year-old Peyton Stearns. Can timeless greatness outshine rising firepower? Don’t blink: the answer’s coming.