New York, USA – Two-time US Open singles champion Venus Williams has been granted a wildcard entry into this year’s tournament, organizers announced on Wednesday. The decision allows the 45-year-old American tennis icon to continue her remarkable, age-defying return to competitive tennis, adding another chapter to an already legendary career spanning over three decades.
A Storied Career and Unprecedented Longevity
Williams recently made headlines at last month’s Washington Open, where she became the oldest player since 2004 to win a WTA singles match, defeating Peyton Stearns, after a 16-month absence from competitive tennis. Her last appearance in the US Open singles main draw was in 2023, where she fell to Belgian Greet Minnen in the first round.
A true trailblazer, Venus Williams turned professional in 1994 at the age of 14. Throughout her illustrious career, she has amassed an incredible seven Grand Slam singles titles, including five at Wimbledon (2000, 2001, 2005, 2007, 2008) and two at the US Open (2000, 2001). Beyond singles, she holds an astounding 14 Grand Slam women’s doubles titles, all won alongside her younger sister Serena, and two Grand Slam mixed doubles titles.
Williams has also been a dominant force on the Olympic stage, earning a record five Olympic medals, including four gold medals (one in singles at Sydney 2000, and three in women’s doubles with Serena in 2000, 2008, and 2012) and one silver medal in mixed doubles at Rio 2016. She became World No. 1 in singles on February 25, 2002, marking a significant milestone as the first African American woman in the Open Era to achieve the top ranking. Overall, she has won a remarkable 49 WTA singles titles and 22 WTA doubles titles. Her continued presence in the sport at 45 years old is a testament to her enduring passion and dedication, solidifying her status as one of tennis’s most iconic figures.
The seven-time Grand Slam winner is also set to compete in the tournament’s new-look mixed doubles event, partnering with fellow American Reilly Opelka. This will add another dimension to her presence at Flushing Meadows.
Other Notable Wildcards
Among other women’s singles wildcards announced, France’s Caroline Garcia also received an entry. This appearance is likely to be Garcia’s last at Flushing Meadows, as the 2022 WTA Finals winner and 2022 US Open semifinalist announced her plans to retire from the sport earlier this year.
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