Venus Williams has secured a wild‑card entry into the singles draw of this year’s US Open, and tournament officials are holding an additional slot in reserve, potentially for her older sister Serena should she decide to compete. The decision comes as part of the United States Tennis Association’s (USTA) effort to ensure that both members of the legendary Williams family have the opportunity to take part in the prestigious Grand Slam, which kicks off on Sunday, August 30, with live coverage on Sky Sports Tennis. In addition to Venus, former champion Sloane Stephens—who captured the US Open title in 2017—was among six other women awarded wild‑card entries. The USTA confirmed that one more women’s wild‑card slot remains unfilled, and all signs point toward Serena Williams as the likely recipient if she elects to return to competitive play at the age of 44.
This possibility adds an extra layer of intrigue to the tournament’s opening weekend, as fans worldwide anticipate whether the iconic duo will reunite on the biggest stage in American tennis. Venus’s wild‑card is not a first‑time occurrence; she received a similar invitation last year, marking her return to a tournament she has won twice in her career. At 46, Venus also makes history as the oldest player to enter the US Open singles draw since Renee Richards, who competed at age 47 in 1981, according to the International Tennis Federation (ITF).
Her continued presence on the court underscores the longevity and resilience that have defined the Williams sisters’ remarkable careers. Beyond singles, Venus has kept her doubles partnership with Serena alive. This week the sisters teamed up for the first time since the 2022 US Open at the Cincinnati Open.
Their match was a tightly contested battle that ended in a tiebreak loss to the youthful pair of Marta Kostyuk and Peyton Stearns. Although the result was disappointing, the appearance signaled that the Williams sisters remain a formidable force when they decide to join forces. The sisters had originally planned to compete together at Wimbledon, but an untimely knee injury forced Serena to withdraw after her singles match. That injury marked Serena’s first singles appearance since her 2022 US Open run, and she later expressed a desire to continue competing if her health permits.
The possibility of her receiving the held‑over wild‑card for the US Open would therefore be a natural next step, allowing her to test her fitness on a familiar surface and potentially add another chapter to her storied legacy. On the men’s side, the wild‑card list is highlighted by veteran Frenchman Gaël Monfils, who is set to play his final Grand Slam before retirement, and Australian Alexei Popyrin, who famously upset Novak Djokovic in 2024 en route to the fourth round. Similar to the women’s draw, one of the eight men’s wild‑card positions remains unassigned, keeping the speculation alive for fans and commentators alike.
The US Open main draw commences on August 30, following a week of qualifying matches that determine the final spots for lower‑ranked players. Sky Sports will broadcast the event live, and viewers can also stream the tournament without a contract through the NOW platform. The tournament promises a blend of seasoned champions, rising stars, and historic moments, with the Williams sisters poised to capture the imagination of a global audience.
Beyond the immediate excitement of the wild‑card announcements, the broader context of the Williams sisters’ careers adds depth to the narrative. Both Venus and Serena have transcended tennis, becoming cultural icons and advocates for gender equality, racial justice, and athlete empowerment. Their continued participation, even in the twilight of their playing days, serves as an inspiration for younger generations and highlights the evolving nature of professional sport, where experience and youth can coexist on the same court. If Serena does accept the reserved wild‑card, the tournament will feature a rare sibling pairing that has rarely been seen at a Grand Slam in recent years.
Their combined experience—Serena’s 23 Grand Slam singles titles and Venus’s seven—could provide a unique dynamic, especially in doubles where they have previously won multiple Grand Slam crowns together. Even if Serena opts out, Venus’s presence alone guarantees that the tournament will benefit from the star power and competitive spirit that the Williams family consistently brings. In summary, the US Open is set to open with a compelling mix of veteran talent and fresh faces. Venus Williams’s confirmed wild‑card entry, the potential inclusion of Serena Williams, and the notable men’s wild‑cards such as Gaël Monfils and Alexei Popyrin all contribute to a narrative rich with anticipation.
Fans can look forward to high‑quality tennis, historic milestones, and perhaps the emotional reunion of two of the sport’s most influential figures on one of its grandest stages.