Everlasting Venus Williams has received a wild card for the upcoming US Open, returning to the home Major for the 25th time. At 45, the seven-time Major champion will become the oldest player in the singles draw in New York since Renee Richards, who was 47 in 1981.
Alongside her first singles duties since 2023, the veteran will compete in mixed doubles prior to main action with her close friend and compatriot, Reilly Opelka. That will add another layer of excitement to her appearance.
Williams and the US Open have been closely linked for nearly three decades. She debuted in 1997 at 17 and reached the final, falling to world no. 1 Martina Hingis in straight sets.
A year later, Venus fell to Lindsay Davenport in the semi-final before embracing another semi-final run in 1999. The connection between her and the home player was strong, and the title had to soon after!
Venus served revenge in 2000, toppling Hingis and Davenport en route to her first success at home. The title defense? Yes, in style! Williams returned in 2001 and beat Kim Clijsters, Jennifer Capriati and her sister, Serena, for another success at home.
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Next year, Serena took revenge and lifted a trophy. It would be Venus' last appearance in the US Open title matches. Williams reached three more semi-finals in 2007, 2010 and 2017.
Thus, she stood two wins away from the title two decades after debuting at the home Major, proving her everlasting class. The veteran lost the ground after that and embraced a 3-5 run at her previous five US Open.
The latest performance came in 2023 when Venus suffered a heavy 6-1, 6-1 defeat to a qualifierGreetMinnenin an hour and 14 minutes at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
Williams did not play between March 2024 and July this year. She made a winning return in Washington and gained confidence ahead of her 25th US Open.
