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

Williams left the tennis world in awe after her performance. Naomi Osaka, who also won Tuesday in the round of 32 at the Citi Open, simply said of Williams in a post after the match, "my queen" with a crown emoji and multiple heart emojis.

The U.S. Department of Labor requires employers to provide health insurance to former employees who lost their jobs, retired, or other qualifying circumstances. The plan, called Cobra, is typically only available for 18 months.