The D.C. Open will not be a one-stop hello-and-farewell appearance for 45-year-old Venus Williams. She had been away from the tour for 16 months before showing up in Washington this week and winning once each in singles and doubles.

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.

Venus Williams, won her first singles match in more than a year at age 45, has highlighted the phenomenon of older athletes playing at an elite level.