Williams returned to the courts in July after nearly a year and a half, defeating compatriot Peyton Stearns in the first round of the tournament in Washington. She then also competed in Cincinnati and at the US Open, where she was eliminated in the opening round by Karolína Muchová in three sets.
The five-time Wimbledon winner intends to play on the WTA circuit next season as well. The former world number one received a wild card from the organizers of the January tournament in Auckland.
