Seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams has confirmed her participation in upcoming North American hard-court events, including the Mubadala DC Open and the National Bank Open in Toronto. Williams, who continues to compete on the WTA Tour, aims to revitalize her 2026 singles campaign after receiving a wild card entry for the Toronto tournament.
Where will Venus Williams compete this summer?
Williams is slated to appear at the Mubadala DC Open, scheduled for July 27 through August 2. Following that appearance, she will head to Canada for the National Bank Open, which runs from August 2 to August 13. According to tournament organizers, Williams accepted a wild card to play in Toronto, marking her 13th appearance at the Canadian event.
When Venus Williams played the National Bank Open in 1995 as a 15-year-old, she received a wild card entry. She returned to the same tournament decades later.
How does her 2026 performance compare to previous seasons?
The 2026 season has presented challenges for the veteran player. According to official tour records, Williams enters the summer hard-court swing with an 0-8 singles record for the year. Her most recent singles outing occurred in Bad Homburg.
While singles success has been elusive, Williams has recorded wins in doubles play. She secured victories alongside partners Katie Boulter in Madrid and Alexandra Eala in Bad Homburg. These results contrast with her performance in Washington, D.C. last year, where she defeated Peyton Stearns 6-4, 6-3. That victory made her the oldest player to win a WTA match since 47-year-old Martina Navratilova defeated Catalina Castano at Wimbledon in 2004.
What is the history of Williams at the National Bank Open?
Toronto holds a significant place in the Williams family legacy. In 2014, Venus Williams reached the final of the National Bank Open after defeating Serena Williams 6-7 (2), 6-2, 6-3 in a semifinal match. She eventually lost the final to Agnieszka Radwanska.
“I’m so thrilled to be back playing in Toronto,” Williams said. She noted that the city has been a consistent part of her professional journey since her debut there at age 15.
Pro Tip: Tracking Player Schedules
Fans looking to catch veteran players in action should monitor WTA wild card announcements.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Is Venus Williams retiring? No. Williams continues to accept wild cards and compete in WTA 500 events throughout the 2026 season.
- Will Venus and Serena Williams play together again? Yes. The sisters are scheduled to reunite for doubles play at Wimbledon.
- What was Venus Williams’ best result in Toronto? Her best finish came in 2014, when she reached the final after defeating Serena Williams in the semifinals.
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