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.

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.