Seven-time Grand Slam singles champion Venus Williams has entered the main draw of the 2026 Mubadala Citi DC Open in Washington, D.
C. , after receiving a wild card for the WTA 500 hard-court event starting July 27.
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The 46-year-old American, currently ranked No. 469, will face world No. 28 Anastasia Potapova in her opening singles match.
Williams is seeking her first tour-level win of 2026 after starting the season 0-8 with an 11-match losing streak dating back to summer 2025.
Potapova enters the tournament following three consecutive grass-court losses, including two retirements.
The Russian player has never won a set in three previous appearances in Washington, failing to advance past the first round.
However, she achieved a career-high ranking of 27th this season after a runner-up finish in Linz and a semifinal run in Madrid.
Williams came close to ending her streak at her last tournament in Bad Homburg, where she held a 5-3 lead in the final set against Irina-Camelia Begu before losing 6-2, 4-6, 7-6 (6).
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Doubles Partnership Change
Williams was initially scheduled to play doubles in Washington with Alexandra Eala before switching partners.
When asked about the change, Williams said: "We had a great time playing at Bad Homburg so we were looking forward to playing again.
Didn't work out this time. Would love for there to be future times.
We'll see what happens."
Instead, Williams is teamed in the doubles draw with fourth seed Diana Shnaider. The pair faces Quinn Gleason and Ulrikke Eikeri in the first round.
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The winner of the singles match between Williams and Potapova will advance to meet Shnaider, who received a first-round bye.
