Venus Williams has been granted a wild‑card entry into the singles draw of this year’s US Open, and tournament officials are apparently keeping another wild‑card slot in reserve—most likely for her sister, Serena, should she decide to compete. The United States Tennis Association (USTA) announced that six other women, including 2017 champion Sloane Stephens, have also secured wild‑card berths.
A seventh spot remains unfilled, and all indications point to it being earmarked for Serena Williams if the 44‑year‑old chooses to make a comeback at Flushing Meadows. The tournament’s coverage will kick off on Sunday, August 30, with live broadcasts on Sky Sports Tennis. Venus’s wild‑card this year follows a similar arrangement last season, when she returned to the US Open after a two‑year hiatus and captured the title for the second time in her career.
At 46, she now holds the distinction of being the oldest woman to enter the singles competition since Renee Richards, who played at age 47 in 1981, according to the International Tennis Federation’s records. In recent weeks Venus has continued to compete in singles events, but the highlight of her schedule has been the doubles partnership with her sister. The pair teamed up for the first time since the 2022 US Open at the Cincinnati Open, where they fell in a tightly contested tiebreak to Marta Kostyuk and Peyton Stearns. Their joint appearance was a reminder of the formidable chemistry the sisters have displayed over two decades of competition.
The siblings had originally planned to reunite for Wimbledon, but Serena suffered a knee injury during her singles match, forcing both sisters to withdraw. That injury marked Serena’s first singles appearance since the 2022 US Open, and after the match she hinted that she hopes to stay on the tour as long as her body permits. The men’s wild‑card list is highlighted by 39‑year‑old Gaël Monfils, who will be playing his final Grand Slam before retirement, and Australian Alexei Popyrin, who famously upset Novak Djokovic in 2024 on his way to the fourth round.
One of the eight men’s wild‑card positions is also being held in reserve, though the USTA has not yet disclosed the intended recipient. The main draw of the US Open commences on Sunday, August 30, following a week of qualifying matches that determine the final spots in the tournament field. Fans can watch the action live on Sky Sports, and a contract‑free streaming option is available through the NOW platform. Beyond the immediate implications for the Williams sisters, Venus’s participation underscores a broader narrative about longevity and resilience in professional tennis.
At an age when most players have long since retired, both Venus and Serena continue to challenge conventional expectations, demonstrating that experience and strategic play can still compete with the raw power of younger athletes. Their presence adds a compelling storyline to a tournament already rich with drama, emerging talent, and historic milestones.
If Serena does decide to accept the pending wild‑card, the 2026 US Open would feature the rare sight of the Williams sisters both competing in the same Grand Slam singles draw—a scenario that has only occurred a handful of times in the Open Era. Their potential match‑up would undoubtedly become one of the most watched events in tennis history, drawing viewers from around the globe. Meanwhile, the tournament organizers are preparing for a packed schedule that includes not only the singles and doubles draws but also mixed doubles, junior events, and wheelchair competitions.
The US Open continues to be a showcase for the sport’s diversity, offering a platform for athletes of all ages and abilities to compete on one of the most prestigious stages in tennis. For fans seeking real‑time updates, the USTA’s official website provides live scores, match statistics, and player interviews.
Social media channels will also feature behind‑the‑scenes content, including practice sessions, press conferences, and exclusive player insights. In summary, Venus Williams’s wild‑card entry reaffirms her enduring status as a top‑level competitor, while the tentative reservation for Serena adds an extra layer of anticipation to the upcoming tournament. Whether the sisters will both take to the courts this year remains to be seen, but the possibility alone has already generated considerable excitement among tennis enthusiasts worldwide.