Venus Williams has been awarded a wildcard entry into the singles draw of the upcoming US Open, and tournament officials have deliberately left a second wildcard unassigned, likely as a contingency in case her sister, Serena Williams, decides to compete. The decision reflects both the enduring popularity of the Williams sisters and the tournament’s desire to keep its options flexible as the event approaches. Alongside Venus, former US Open champion Sloane Stephens—who captured the title in 2017—was among six other women granted wildcards for the 2024 edition.
The United States Tennis Association (USTA) confirmed that the final women’s wildcard is still pending, and speculation is rife that it will be offered to Serena if she opts to return to Grand Slam competition at the age of 44. The US Open coverage is set to commence on Sunday, August 30, with live broadcasts on Sky Sports Tennis. Venus’s wildcard is not a new development; she received a similar invitation last year, marking her first appearance at Flushing Meadows since 2023, and the tournament she has won twice. At 46, Venus becomes the oldest player to enter the US Open singles draw since Renee Richards, who competed at age 47 in 1981, according to records from the International Tennis Federation.
This milestone underscores the longevity of Venus’s career and her continued relevance on the world stage. In recent weeks, Venus has remained active in both singles and doubles play.
Notably, she teamed up with Serena for their first doubles outing together since the 2022 US Open at the Cincinnati Open. The pair were eliminated in a tightly contested tiebreaker by the young duo of Marta Kostyuk and Peyton Stearns on Monday.
Their brief reunion generated considerable excitement among fans, who have long awaited another joint appearance by the sisters. The Williams sisters had initially planned to compete together at Wimbledon, but an unexpected knee injury to Serena during her singles match forced them to withdraw.
That match marked Serena’s first singles appearance since the 2022 US Open, and she expressed optimism about continuing to play if her health permits. The injury has added another layer of uncertainty to the decision about whether she will accept a potential wildcard for the US Open.
On the men’s side, the wildcard list features 39‑year‑old Gaël Monfils, who is slated to make his final Grand Slam appearance before retirement, and Australian Alexei Popyrin, who famously upset Novak Djokovic in 2024 on his way to the fourth round. One of the eight men’s wildcards also remains unassigned, mirroring the situation on the women’s side.
The main draw of the US Open is scheduled to kick off on Sunday, August 30, following a week of qualifying tournaments that will determine the final spots in the field. Fans can follow the action live on Sky Sports, and those without a subscription can stream the tournament contract‑free via the NOW platform. Beyond the immediate wildcard drama, the 2026 tennis calendar promises an exciting lineup of events and potential new champions. The US Open will continue to be a focal point of the season, with its rich history and high‑stakes matches drawing global attention.
As the tournament draws nearer, the tennis world will be watching closely to see whether Serena Williams will seize the opportunity to add another Grand Slam appearance to her storied résumé, and how Venus will perform as one of the oldest competitors in the draw. In summary, Venus Williams has secured her place at the US Open through a wildcard, while a second wildcard remains on standby, most likely for her sister Serena should she decide to compete.
The wildcard allocations reflect both the respect for veteran players and the strategic flexibility of the USTA as it prepares for one of the sport’s biggest spectacles. The upcoming weeks will reveal the final composition of the field, setting the stage for what promises to be a memorable tournament on the hard courts of New York.