Venus Williams has secured a wild‑card entry into the singles draw of this year’s US Open, and tournament officials are deliberately leaving an additional slot unfilled, likely as a contingency should her sister Serena decide to compete. The decision reflects both the Williams sisters’ enduring popularity and the organizers’ desire to keep options open for one of tennis’s most iconic figures.
Among the women granted wild‑cards this season, former champion Sloane Stephens—who captured the US Open title in 2017—was named alongside five other players. The United States Tennis Association (USTA) confirmed that the final women’s wild‑card has yet to be announced. All signs point to that remaining invitation being earmarked for Serena Williams, who, at 44, remains undecided about a return to the Grand Slam stage.
Coverage of the tournament kicks off on Sunday, August 30, with live broadcasts on Sky Sports Tennis. Venus’s wild‑card marks a repeat of last year’s arrangement, when she also entered the draw via a discretionary invitation after a period away from the event. That 2023 appearance was her first return to the US Open since winning the title twice earlier in her career. At 46, Venus becomes the oldest female competitor to feature in the singles competition since Renee Richards, who played at age 47 in 1981, according to records from the International Tennis Federation (ITF).
Her continued presence on the tour underscores a remarkable longevity that few athletes achieve, particularly in a physically demanding sport like tennis. In addition to her singles pursuits, Venus has maintained an active doubles schedule.
This week she teamed up with Serena for their first joint doubles campaign since the 2022 US Open. The sisters faced a tough match at the Cincinnati Open, ultimately falling in a nail‑biting tiebreaker to the duo of Marta Kostyuk and Peyton Stearns. Their partnership, though brief, generated significant excitement among fans eager to see the pair share the court once more. The Williams sisters had originally planned to compete together at Wimbledon, but an injury forced Serena to withdraw.
She suffered a knee issue during her singles match, which was her first appearance in a Grand Slam singles draw since the 2022 US Open. After the match, Serena expressed optimism about continuing her career if her health permits, leaving the door open for future participation at major events.
On the men’s side, the wild‑card list is highlighted by 39‑year‑old Gaël Monfils, who will use his invitation to play what is expected to be his final Grand Slam before retirement. Another notable recipient is Australian Alexei Popyrin, who made headlines in 2024 by upsetting Novak Djokovic and advancing to the fourth round of that year’s US Open.
Similar to the women’s draw, one of the eight men’s wild‑cards remains unassigned, providing flexibility for the tournament’s organizers. The main draw is scheduled to commence on August 30, following a week of qualifying matches that determine the final spots in the field. Fans can follow the action live on Sky Sports, which also offers streaming options through the NOW platform, allowing viewers to watch without a traditional contract.
Beyond the immediate excitement of the wild‑card announcements, Venus’s inclusion adds a narrative of perseverance and adaptation to the tournament’s storyline. Her ability to compete at a high level well into her mid‑forties challenges conventional expectations about athletic prime and retirement. Moreover, the potential involvement of Serena would create a rare scenario in which both sisters, each a multiple Grand Slam champion, could compete simultaneously in the same event, a prospect that would undoubtedly boost viewership and generate significant media buzz. The USTA’s strategic hold on a wild‑card for Serena also reflects the broader context of her recent comeback attempts.
After a prolonged hiatus due to health concerns and the birth of her daughter, Serena has been selective about her tournament schedule, focusing on events where she feels physically prepared. The US Open, being one of the sport’s most prestigious stages, would serve as a fitting platform for any potential return, should she deem herself ready. In summary, Venus Williams’s wild‑card entry secures her place in the 2026 US Open singles draw, while the tournament’s decision to keep an additional slot open signals a hopeful eye toward a possible Serena Williams comeback. Both sisters continue to influence the sport beyond their on‑court achievements, inspiring new generations of players and fans alike.
The upcoming weeks will reveal whether Serena will join Venus in New York, adding another chapter to the storied legacy of the Williams family at one of tennis’s biggest stages.