Draw for the WTA 500 in Washington: Venus Williams returns after more than a year of absence, Pegula and Navarro know their fate

The Washington tournament marks the first step of the American hard-court tour for both the men's and women's circuits.

In the women's draw, it's Jessica Pegula, world No. 4, who will be the No. 1 seed. She will receive a bye and will face either Leylah Fernandez or Maya Joint in the second round. Emma Navarro is the No. 2 seed and will start her tournament against Maria Sakkari or Katie Boulter.

The highlight of the week will be the return of Venus Williams to competition, who received a wild card from the organizers. At 45 years old, she will play against fellow American Peyton Stearns for her first match on the circuit since March 2024.

With a very competitive field, the draw has lined up some exciting matches right from the first round, such as the clash between Naomi Osaka and Yulia Putintseva. Danielle Collins will face Magda Linette, Marta Kostyuk will take on Emma Raducanu, and Hailey Baptiste and Sofia Kenin will be in an all-American duel.