Williams will be taking part in the U.S. Open singles draw for the 25th time in her career.
Venus Williams will be back at the U.S. Open later this month for the first time since 2023 after she was one of eight women given a wild-card invitation.
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Williams' entry into the year's final major tournament at age 45 will make her the oldest player on the singles side since 47-year-old Renée Richards took part in the 1981 event. A two-time U.S. Open winner, Williams was already entered into the mixed doubles competition after receiving a wild-card invite.
A seven-time Grand Slam tournament singles champion, which includes her two victories at Flushing Meadows in 2000 and 2001, Williams has won 47 times on the WTA tour in her career.
Since Williams' last U.S. Open singles title, she has reached the semifinals three times and has failed to get out of the first round in her three appearances since 2020.
Injuries have hindered Williams' career the past few years. She returned to the court last month at the DC Open for her first match in 16 months. When asked if she planned to play in future tournaments, the former world No. 1 said, via The Associated Press, “I’m just here for now, and who knows? Maybe there’s more. ... But at the moment, I’m focused just on this. I haven’t played in a year. There is no doubt I can play tennis, but obviously coming back to play matches, it takes time to get in the swing of things. I definitely feel I’ll play well. I’m still the same player. I’m a big hitter. I hit big. This is my brand.”
Williams, who was honored with a new Barbie this week, also played a doubles match at the DC Open and took part in the Cincinnati Open last week via a wild-card invite before losing in the first round.
The U.S. Open singles main draw will begin on Aug. 24.
Category: General Sports
