Venus Williams, 45, gets US Open wild card as oldest singles entrant in 44 years

Tennis icon Venus Williams will make her return to the US Open later this month after being awarded a wild card for the women’s singles main draw. At 45 years old, she will become the oldest singles competitor at Flushing Meadows since Renee Richards, who played at age 47 in 1981, according to the International Tennis Federation.

Williams, a former world No. 1, resumed her professional career in July at the DC Open following a 16-month absence. She marked her comeback with her first singles victory in two years, a milestone that made her the oldest player to win a WTA singles match since Martina Navratilova’s first-round triumph at Wimbledon in 2004 at age 47. Her run in Washington ended in the next round, where she fell 6-2, 6-2 to 24th-ranked Magdalena Frech, halting her bid for her first back-to-back wins since 2019.

A Legacy of Championships

Over an illustrious career spanning nearly three decades, Williams has captured seven Grand Slam singles titles — two at the US Open — along with 14 Grand Slam doubles crowns alongside her sister Serena. She also claimed two mixed doubles majors in 1998. Currently ranked 654th, she was listed as inactive on the WTA website until her return last month.

This year, Williams will also take part in the US Open’s mixed doubles event, teaming up with fellow American Reilly Opelka.

A New Look for Mixed Doubles

Organizers have introduced a “reimagined” mixed doubles schedule, holding the competition several days before the start of the main singles draw on August 24. The move aims to attract more fans and give broadcasters greater exposure for the event, potentially allowing top singles players to participate.

While some have welcomed the change, others have voiced concerns that it could sideline doubles specialists. Defending champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori called the adjustment “a profound injustice,” arguing it diminishes the role of players dedicated to the format.

Other Wild Card Entries

Alongside Williams, American players Clervie Ngounoue, Julieta Pareja, Caty McNally, Valerie Glozman, and Alyssa Ahn have been granted wild cards for the women’s singles main draw. They are joined by France’s Caroline Garcia and Australia’s Talia Gibson, rounding out a diverse group of entrants for the tournament, which begins next Monday.