Venus Williams has been granted a wild‑card entry into the singles draw of the upcoming US Open, and tournament officials appear to be holding an additional slot in reserve—potentially for her sister, Serena, should she decide to compete. This development was announced alongside the wild‑card selections for several other female players.
Among them is Sloane Stephens, the 2017 US Open champion, who joins five other women receiving direct entry via a wild card. The United States Tennis Association (USTA) indicated that one more women's wild‑card slot remains unfilled, and all signs point to that vacancy being earmarked for Serena Williams if she opts to return to Grand Slam competition at the age of 44. The US Open coverage kicks off on Sunday, August 30, with live broadcasts on Sky Sports Tennis.
Venus, now 46, had also been awarded a wild‑card for the previous edition of the tournament, marking her first return to the event she has won twice since 2023. Her participation makes her the oldest player to enter the singles field in recent memory, surpassing the previous record held by Renee Richards, who competed at age 47 in 1981, according to data from the International Tennis Federation.
In recent weeks, Venus has continued to compete in singles matches on the professional circuit. This week she reunited with Serena for the first time in a doubles competition since the 2022 US Open, entering the Cincinnati Open as a pair.
Their partnership, however, was short‑lived; they fell in a tightly contested tiebreaker to the duo of Marta Kostyuk and Peyton Stearns on Monday. The sisters had originally planned to team up at Wimbledon, but an injury to Serena's knee during her singles match forced both of them to withdraw. That knee injury was notable because it marked Serena's first singles appearance since the 2022 US Open, and she later expressed a desire to keep playing as long as she remains healthy.
On the men's side, the wild‑card announcements featured 39‑year‑old Gaël Monfils, who will be playing his final Grand Slam tournament before retirement, and Australian Alexei Popyrin, who famously upset Novak Djokovic in 2024 en route to the fourth round. One of the eight men's wild‑card positions is also being held in reserve, though the tournament has not yet disclosed the intended recipient. The main draw of the US Open is set to commence on Sunday, August 30, with the qualifying rounds taking place earlier in the week. Fans can watch the action live on Sky Sports, and the tournament is also available for streaming without a contract through the NOW platform.
The decision to keep a wild‑card slot open for Serena underscores the significance of her potential participation. If she chooses to accept the invitation, she would become one of the oldest competitors in the tournament’s modern era, joining a small group of veteran players who have continued to perform at a high level well into their 40s. Serena’s presence would also add a compelling narrative to the event, as she seeks to add another Grand Slam title to her already illustrious career. Beyond the immediate implications for the Williams sisters, the wild‑card selections reflect the USTA’s broader strategy of balancing emerging talent with established stars.
By granting wild cards to players like Sloane Stephens and Gaël Monfils, the organization ensures that fans see recognizable names while also providing opportunities for up‑and‑coming athletes to gain experience on tennis’s biggest stage. For viewers, the tournament promises a blend of historic moments and fresh storylines. The presence of veteran players such as Venus and potentially Serena offers a nostalgic link to past eras, while younger competitors aim to make their mark.
The US Open’s schedule, broadcast arrangements, and streaming options have been designed to maximize accessibility for a global audience, with Sky Sports delivering live coverage and NOW offering a contract‑free streaming alternative. In summary, Venus Williams has secured her spot in the US Open singles draw via a wild card, and the tournament is poised to reserve an additional wild‑card slot for Serena Williams, should she decide to compete. The event will feature a mix of seasoned veterans and rising stars, with matches beginning on August 30 and broadcast across multiple platforms for fans worldwide.