Venus Williams Makes Triumphant Return to US Open with Wildcard Entry

Venus Williams in action at Cincinnati

Venus Williams, 45, receives wildcard entry to the 2025 US Open, marking her 25th appearance in the tournament. The seven-time Grand Slam champion will compete in the singles main draw starting August 24 and team up with Reilly Opelka in the mixed doubles event.

Venus Williams is making a triumphant return to the US Open, receiving a wildcard entry into the women's singles event for the 2025 tournament. The 45-year-old American tennis legend will become the oldest singles entrant at the US Open since Renee Richards in 1981. Williams' determination to continue playing tennis stems from her love for the sport, and she's eager to take on the challenge despite being away from competitive tennis for 16 months.

Williams' Road to Recovery

After undergoing surgery to remove uterine fibroids last year, Williams made her comeback last month at the Citi Open in Washington. She won her opening match against Peyton Stearns, becoming the oldest WTA match winner since Martina Navratilova at Wimbledon in 2004. Although she lost to Magdalena Frech and later to Jessica Bouzas Maneiro in Cincinnati, her progress is notable.

It will be her first appearance at one of the sport’s four majors since the 2023 US Open. 🙌

Venus Williams is set to become the oldest player to compete in singles at the US Open since 47-year-old Renee Richards in 1981. pic.twitter.com/EdRxRd2ySO

— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) August 13, 2025

US Open Details

The US Open singles main draw begins on August 24, and Williams will also participate in the mixed doubles tournament alongside Reilly Opelka. 

Other notable wildcard recipients include:

American Players:

• Clervie Ngounoue: Won the US Open Wild Card Challenge

• Julieta Pareja: Will play in her final Grand Slam before retirement

• Caty McNally: Currently ranked world No. 104

• Valerie Glozman: Won the women's singles title at the American Collegiate Wild Card Playoffs

• Alyssa Ahn: Won the singles title at the USTA Billie Jean King Girls’ 18s National Championships

International Players:

• Caroline Garcia: France's Caroline Garcia, playing in her last Grand Slam before retirement
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• Talia Gibso: Australia's Talia Gibson, ranked a career-best No. 107

With her wildcard entry, Williams will make her 25th appearance at the US Open, seeking to add to her two US Open singles titles won in 2000 and 2001.

Venus Williams is set to make her return to the US Open singles main draw, having last competed in the event in 2023, where she lost to Belgian player Greet Minnen in the first round. The seven-time Grand Slam winner will also participate in the tournament's revamped mixed doubles competition, teaming up with fellow American Reilly Opelka.

Venus Williams will make her return to Grand Slam tennis at the US Open after a two-year absence, receiving a wild-card invitation Wednesday to compete in singles. https://t.co/ngPqXJjIFv

— ESPN (@espn) August 13, 2025

This US Open appearance will mark Williams' 25th singles main draw participation, building on her successful career that includes two US Open singles titles in 2000 and 2001. Her wildcard entry allows her to bypass qualifying and enter the main draw directly, providing an opportunity to challenge for a deep run in the tournament.

Caroline Garcia, the 2022 WTA Finals winner and semifinalist at the 2022 US Open, has received a wildcard entry into the women's singles event. This will likely be her last appearance at Flushing Meadows, as she announced her plans to retire from professional tennis earlier this year.

Garcia's wildcard entry allows her to bow out on her own terms, potentially facing off against top players one last time at the US Open. Her impressive career has seen her claim numerous titles, including the WTA Finals and several WTA 1000 events. Fans will be eager to see her in action one last time.