46-Year-Old Venus Williams Gets US Open Wild Card
- By Thetripurapost Sports Desk, Washington
- Aug 19, 2026
- 184
Venus Williams has been handed a wildcard for the 2026 US Open women's singles main draw, setting up another appearance at Flushing Meadows at the age of 46.
The seven-time Grand Slam singles champion is among the first group of players awarded main-draw wildcards by the United States Tennis Association. One women's singles wildcard remains unassigned, fuelling speculation that it could eventually be offered to her younger sister, Serena Williams.
Venus, a two-time US Open singles champion, is preparing to compete in her 26th US Open main draw. She captured the New York title in 2000 and 2001 and has also won five Wimbledon singles championships.
Her recent singles results, however, have been difficult. Venus is currently carrying a 14-match losing streak in WTA singles competition. Despite that run, her extensive Grand Slam record and continued presence on tour have earned her another wildcard opportunity.
Serena Williams' US Open return remains uncertain
The remaining women's wildcard has attracted considerable attention because of Serena Williams' comeback to singles tennis.
The 44-year-old returned to Grand Slam singles competition at Wimbledon this year after being away from the singles circuit since the 2022 US Open. She lost her opening-round match, but subsequently indicated that she wanted to continue competing once fully fit.
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Serena has not yet been confirmed for the 2026 US Open. The tournament's final women's wildcard could therefore become significant if she chooses to compete in New York.
Serena is a six-time US Open singles champion and owns 23 Grand Slam singles titles. The official US Open site confirmed earlier this year that she had accepted a Wimbledon singles wildcard as part of her comeback.
Venus and Serena reunite at Cincinnati Open
The Williams sisters recently returned to the doubles court together at the Cincinnati Open, marking their first tournament appearance as a team since the 2022 US Open.
Their comeback ended in the opening round after Marta Kostyuk and Peyton Stearns defeated the American pair 2-6, 6-1, 10-8 in a deciding super tie-break.
Venus and Serena had initially planned to reunite in doubles at Wimbledon, but those plans were abandoned after Serena suffered a knee injury during her singles comeback.
The sisters have won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles together, making their possible appearance at the US Open one of the tournament's major storylines.
More US Open 2026 wildcards announced
Former US Open champion Sloane Stephens has also received a women's singles wildcard. The 2017 champion is working her way back after an injury-hit period and has improved significantly in the rankings during 2026.
Other women's wildcard recipients include Carol Young Suh Lee, Reese Brantmeier, 17-year-old Thea Frodin, France's Leolia Jeanjean and Australia's Taylah Preston.
On the men's side, French veteran Gael Monfils and Australia's Alexei Popyrin have been awarded wildcards. Monfils, who turns 40 in September, is scheduled to retire at the end of the season, making the US Open potentially his final Grand Slam appearance.
American players Martin Damm Jr., Michael Zheng, JJ Wolf, Sebastian Gorzny and 18-year-old Jack Kennedy have also received men's singles wildcards. One men's main-draw wildcard remains available.
US Open 2026 dates
The US Open 2026 main draw is scheduled to begin on August 30 in New York, with qualifying taking place beforehand.
With Venus already guaranteed a place in the women's singles field and one wildcard still open, attention will now turn to whether Serena Williams makes another competitive appearance at the year's final Grand Slam.
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