Venus Williams has secured a wild‑card entry into the singles draw of this year’s US Open, and tournament officials are deliberately leaving one additional slot unfilled—most likely as a contingency in case her sister, Serena Williams, decides to compete. The decision reflects the enduring popularity of the Williams sisters and the desire of the organizers to accommodate a possible comeback from the 44‑year‑old Serena, who has been contemplating a return to Grand Slam action.
Alongside Venus, former champion Sloane Stephens—who captured the title in 2017—was among six other women granted wild‑card entries. The United States Tennis Association (USTA) announced that the final women’s wild‑card is still pending, and all indications point to Serena as the likely recipient if she confirms her participation. The US Open coverage will commence on Sunday, August 30, with live broadcasts on Sky Sports Tennis.
Venus’s wild‑card this year follows a similar invitation last season, marking her first appearance at Flushing Meadows since 2023. At 46, she becomes the oldest competitor in the singles draw since Renee Richards, who played at the age of 47 back in 1981, according to records from the International Tennis Federation (ITF). Her continued presence on the tour underscores her remarkable longevity and the high level of fitness she maintains despite being well into her forties. In recent weeks, Venus has not only been active in singles but also reunited with Serena for doubles competition.
The duo entered the Cincinnati Open together, marking their first joint doubles effort since the 2022 US Open. Unfortunately, their partnership ended in a narrow defeat, falling in a tiebreak to the young pair of Marta Kostyuk and Peyton Stearns on Monday.
The loss, while disappointing, demonstrated that the sisters still possess the chemistry and competitive edge that once made them one of the most formidable doubles teams in tennis history. The sisters had originally planned to team up at Wimbledon, but an untimely knee injury forced Serena to withdraw from the event. That injury occurred during her singles match, which was notable as it represented Serena’s first singles appearance at a Grand Slam since her 2022 US Open run. After the match, Serena expressed optimism about her health, indicating that she hopes to remain active on the tour if she can stay injury‑free.
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 retiring, and Australian Alexei Popyrin, who earned a reputation for his upset over Novak Djokovic in 2024 en route to the fourth round. One of the eight men’s wild‑card positions also remains unassigned, mirroring the situation on the women’s side. The main draw of the US Open will kick off on August 30, following a week of qualifying matches that determine the final entrants. Fans can follow the action live on Sky Sports, and for those who prefer streaming, the tournament is available contract‑free through the NOW platform.
Beyond the immediate excitement of the wild‑card announcements, the broader context of tennis in 2026 includes a packed calendar of events and a roster of emerging champions. The sport continues to evolve, with younger players challenging established stars and veteran athletes like the Williams sisters proving that experience and determination can still compete at the highest level. In summary, Venus Williams’s wild‑card entry ensures her participation in the upcoming US Open, while the pending slot leaves the door open for Serena’s potential return.
The anticipation surrounding the possible reunion of the Williams sisters adds an extra layer of intrigue to the tournament, promising fans a compelling narrative alongside the usual high‑stakes competition. Whether Serena decides to accept the invitation or not, the tournament will feature a blend of seasoned veterans and rising talents, all vying for the coveted titles on one of tennis’s biggest stages.