Venus Williams has been granted a wild‑card entry into the singles draw of this year’s US Open, and tournament officials are deliberately holding an additional slot in reserve – a move that appears to be aimed at giving her sister, Serena Williams, the chance to compete should she decide to return. The US Open’s wildcard allocation this season includes former champion Sloane Stephens, who lifted the trophy in 2017, as one of six women already confirmed. The United States Tennis Association (USTA) has announced that a seventh women’s wildcard is still pending, and all indications point toward that final place being offered to Serena Williams if she opts to re‑enter the competition at the age of 44.
Coverage of the tournament kicks off on Sunday, August 30, with live broadcasts on Sky Sports Tennis. Venus, who earned a wildcard for the first time last year after a two‑year hiatus from the event she has won twice, will be back on the court for the first time since her 2023 appearance.
At 46, Venus becomes the oldest player to line up for the US Open singles draw since Renee Richards, who competed at the age of 47 back in 1981, according to data from the International Tennis Federation. Her continued presence on the tour underscores both her enduring athleticism and the broader narrative of veteran competitors challenging the sport’s age norms.
In recent weeks, Venus has kept a modest singles schedule while also reuniting with Serena for doubles play. The sisters teamed up at the Cincinnati Open, marking their first joint doubles outing since the 2022 US Open.
Unfortunately, they were edged out in a tightly contested tiebreaker by the pairing of Marta Kostyuk and Peyton Stearns on Monday. The Williams duo had originally planned to compete together at Wimbledon, but an untimely knee injury sustained by Serena during her singles match forced both sisters to withdraw.
That match was notable because it represented Serena’s first singles appearance since the 2022 US Open. Afterward, she expressed optimism about extending her career, provided she remains injury‑free.
For fans wondering when tennis will be shown live on Sky Sports, the network will broadcast the US Open from the opening day, August 30, and will also provide live coverage of both the ATP and WTA tours throughout the season. Viewers can also stream the tournament without a contract through the NOW platform.
On the men’s side, the wildcard list is highlighted by 39‑year‑old Gaël Monfils, who has announced that this will be his final Grand Slam appearance before retirement. Australian Alexei Popyrin also received a wildcard; he made headlines in 2024 when he upset Novak Djokovic on his way to the fourth round of the US Open. Similar to the women’s draw, one of the eight men’s wildcards remains unfilled and is being held in reserve. The main draw of the US Open is set to begin on Sunday, August 30, with the qualifying rounds taking place earlier that same week.
As the tournament approaches, anticipation builds not only around the established stars but also around the potential narrative of a Williams sisters showdown should Serena accept the pending wildcard. Their participation would add a historic layer to an already storied event, offering fans a rare glimpse of two of the sport’s most iconic figures competing side by side on one of tennis’s biggest stages. Beyond the immediate excitement of the wildcards, the 2026 tennis calendar continues to evolve, with new tournaments, shifting surfaces, and emerging talents reshaping the competitive landscape.
The US Open remains a cornerstone of the Grand Slam season, and the inclusion of veteran players like Venus and possibly Serena highlights the tournament’s commitment to celebrating both the sport’s rich history and its future. In summary, Venus Williams has secured her spot in the US Open singles field via a wildcard, while the organizers keep a final women’s wildcard open—most likely for Serena—should she decide to compete. The event will launch its main draw on August 30, with live coverage on Sky Sports and streaming options available through NOW, ensuring fans worldwide can follow every serve, rally, and breakthrough moment.