Venus Williams has been awarded a wild‑card entry into the singles draw of this year’s US Open, and tournament officials are keeping an additional slot in reserve—most likely for her sister, Serena, should she decide to compete. The decision follows a pattern of granting veteran players special entries, reflecting both their past achievements and the draw’s desire to feature iconic figures on the courts. The US Open’s wild‑card committee announced that former champion Sloane Stephens, who captured the title in 2017, is among six other women receiving wild‑card invitations. The United States Tennis Association (USTA) noted that one more women’s wild‑card remains unfilled, and all eyes are on Serena Williams as the most probable recipient.
At 44 years old, Serena would be making a highly anticipated return to Flushing Meadows, a move that would generate significant media attention and fan excitement. Coverage of the tournament kicks off on Sunday, August 30, with live broadcasts on Sky Sports Tennis.
The schedule will feature opening‑day matches, qualifying rounds earlier in the week, and a full slate of main‑draw contests that run through early September. Venus’s wild‑card this year marks her second consecutive special entry after she returned to the US Open in 2023, the first time she had competed there since her 2021 appearance. The 46‑year‑old American now holds the distinction of being the oldest woman to enter the singles competition since Renee Richards, who played at the age of 47 in 1981, according to records from the International Tennis Federation (ITF). This milestone underscores Venus’s enduring athleticism and her continued relevance in a sport that increasingly favors younger competitors.
In addition to her singles pursuits, Venus has remained active in doubles play. This week she partnered with Serena for their first joint doubles event since the 2022 US Open, entering the Cincinnati Open as a pair. Their campaign ended in a tightly contested tiebreak loss to the youthful duo of Marta Kostyuk and Peyton Stearns on Monday, highlighting both the competitive depth of the women’s tour and the lingering chemistry between the Williams sisters.
The sisters had originally planned to team up at Wimbledon, but an unfortunate knee injury forced Serena to withdraw from the singles draw after her match. That injury marked Serena’s first singles appearance since the 2022 US Open, and she subsequently expressed a desire to continue competing provided she remains healthy. Her potential participation in the US Open would therefore represent not only a comeback but also a testament to her resilience after a period of limited play.
On the men’s side, the US Open wild‑card list features notable names such as 39‑year‑old Gaël Monfils, who is slated to play his final Grand Slam before retirement, and Australian Alexei Popyrin, who famously upset Novak Djokovic in 2024 on his way to the fourth round. Similar to the women’s draw, one of the eight men’s wild‑card positions remains unannounced, adding an element of intrigue to the pre‑tournament buzz. The main draw will officially commence on August 30, following a week of qualifying matches that determine the final spots for players who did not gain direct entry based on ranking. Fans can follow the action live on Sky Sports, which also offers a contract‑free streaming option through the NOW platform for those who prefer online viewing.
Beyond the immediate excitement of the wild‑card announcements, the 2026 tennis calendar continues to evolve, with the US Open remaining a cornerstone event for both the ATP and WTA tours. The tournament’s ability to attract legendary figures like the Williams sisters, alongside emerging talent, reinforces its status as a premier showcase for the sport. In summary, Venus Williams’s wild‑card entry guarantees her presence in the 2026 US Open singles draw, while a held‑over spot hints at a possible Serena Williams return.
Their participation would not only honor their storied careers but also provide a compelling narrative for tennis enthusiasts worldwide. The tournament’s schedule, broadcast options, and additional wild‑card recipients set the stage for a memorable fortnight of high‑stakes competition on the iconic hard courts of Flushing Meadows.