The 46-year-old tennis legend makes her 29th appearance at Flushing Meadows, while her sister's decision on the last wildcard spot looms.

Tennis icon Venus Williams has been awarded a prestigious wildcard entry into the US Open singles main draw, securing her spot at the final Grand Slam of the season. At 46 years old, Williams will make her 29th appearance in New York, a testament to her enduring career.

Her inclusion immediately sparks questions about her legendary sister, Serena Williams, as one coveted women's singles wildcard remains open. Fans worldwide are eager to see if the two will reunite on court at Flushing Meadows, especially after their recent doubles comeback.

The sisters made their return to competitive play together at the Cincinnati Open on Tuesday, ultimately losing a thrilling three-set doubles match. This news follows a period of speculation regarding Serena's tennis future, according to reporting by BBC Sport - Tennis.

Venus Williams' Storied History at the US Open

Venus Williams is no stranger to success on the hardcourts of Flushing Meadows. She first graced the New York tournament 29 years ago, reaching the final of her singles debut in 1997. Her impressive career includes two US Open singles titles, won consecutively in 2000 and 2001, contributing to her seven career Grand Slam singles championships.

Her victory in 2000 followed her maiden major title at Wimbledon just two months prior. The 2001 final was particularly historic, as she defeated her sister Serena, marking the first of nine major showpieces the siblings would contest against each other.

Last year, Venus became the oldest US Open singles player in 44 years. She bowed out in three sets to ninth seed Karolina Muchova and, in an emotional post-match news conference, expressed that it felt “nice to be free” after her performance. Alongside Williams, 2017 champion Sloane Stephens has also received a direct entry wildcard for the main draw, which begins on Sunday, 30 August.

Serena Williams' Potential Return and Recent Form

The possibility of Serena Williams joining her sister at the US Open is a major talking point. Serena, a 23-time Grand Slam singles champion, had previously played what was widely anticipated to be her final career tournament in New York in 2022, before “evolving away” from the sport.

However, she made a surprise return to tennis in June, initially playing doubles at Queen's before being granted the final women's singles wildcard for Wimbledon. Her comeback at SW19 was cut short after a knee injury in her first-round loss to Maya Joint forced her to withdraw from a planned doubles match with Venus.

Serena's recent competitive action has been limited, consisting of three doubles matches and just one singles appearance since her return. Her match at the Cincinnati Open alongside Venus was her first in seven weeks following the knee injury. The United States Tennis Association (USTA) appears to be keeping one singles wildcard spot open, similar to how the All England Club managed her Wimbledon entry.

Venus's Recent Struggles and Enduring Appeal

While Venus Williams’ longevity is remarkable, her recent singles form has been challenging. She has played sporadically on the WTA Tour over the past four years and is currently winless in 13 consecutive singles matches, having lost all 10 of her contests this season. Her last singles victory dates back to Washington in July 2025.

This year, she did not play singles at Wimbledon and her only Grand Slam singles match was a first-round loss to Serbia's Olga Danilovic at the Australian Open. Her last singles win at a Grand Slam came at Wimbledon in 2021, where she reached the second round.

In contrast, Venus has shown stronger form in doubles in recent years, notably reaching the quarter-finals in New York last year alongside Canada's Leylah Fernandez. Regardless of their individual records, the Williams sisters continue to be an immense draw, with their recent return in Cincinnati packing out the stands.

Health Battles and Other Wildcard Contenders

Venus Williams has openly discussed the significant health challenges she has faced throughout her career. In 2011, she was diagnosed with Sjogren's syndrome, an incurable autoimmune disease that causes symptoms such as pain, numbness, and fatigue. More recently, in 2025, she spoke about the impact of painful fibroids, abnormal growths in the uterus, on her daily life.

Beyond the women's draw, other wildcard decisions are also in focus. France's Gael Monfils has been granted a men's singles wildcard for what is anticipated to be the final Grand Slam of his career. There is also one men's singles wildcard remaining, which could potentially go to 2016 champion Stan Wawrinka, who is also set to retire at the end of the year.

Additionally, wildcards for the women's doubles have yet to be announced, and there are three remaining places in the revamped mixed doubles competition, which is scheduled to take place from 24 August. These spots could attract interest from players like Jannik Sinner and Carlos Alcaraz, returning from injuries.

Frequently Asked Questions

Has Venus Williams won the US Open singles title before?

Yes, Venus Williams has won the US Open singles title twice. She secured her championships consecutively in 2000 and 2001, defeating her sister Serena Williams in the 2001 final.

What is Venus Williams' recent singles performance record?

Venus Williams has faced a challenging period in singles play. She is currently winless in 13 consecutive singles matches, losing all 10 of her matches this season. Her last singles victory on the WTA Tour was in Washington in July 2025.

Is Serena Williams expected to play at the US Open?

While not yet confirmed, there is one remaining women's singles wildcard spot for the US Open, and speculation suggests the USTA may be holding it for Serena Williams. She recently returned to competitive tennis in June after a four-year absence from the sport.

What health challenges has Venus Williams faced during her career?

Venus Williams has publicly battled significant health issues. She was diagnosed with Sjogren's syndrome, an incurable autoimmune disease causing pain and fatigue, in 2011. In 2025, she also discussed the impact of painful fibroids on her daily life.