Her first match back on the WTA Tour, after a 16-month hiatus, was something between a sporting event and a tent revival.

MASON, Ohio — Venus Williams’ return to professional tennis will not just be a one-tournament visit: She was awarded a wild-card entry for the Cincinnati Open. The 45-year-old Williams is participating in her first event in more than a year at the DC Open and won first-round matches in both singles and doubles.

The 45-year-old winner of seven Grand Slam singles titles rolled to her 819th career WTA singles victory. Read more at straitstimes.com. Read more at straitstimes.com.

Venus Williams has been given a wildcard for the Cincinnati Open, which kicks off on August 7. The 45-year-old returned to tour at the Washington Open winning her first match in sixteen months before her loss in the second round.

Venus Williams’ recent singles win at the D.C. Open showcased her longevity and brought attention to health coverage for aging athletes following a joking comment she made in an on-court interview.

Seven-time Grand Slam singles champion Venus Williams made her long-awaited return to the WTA tour at the Mubadala Citi DC Open after a 16-month hiatus.

Venus Williams is back and not done yet. She heads to Cincinnati next, and maybe the US Open

The 45-year-old, who lost in the second round Thursday at the DC Open in her return to tennis, has never looked happier after a loss.