Venus Williams is poised to make history at the 2025 US Open after receiving a wildcard into the final major of the year.
The 45-year-old has not played at any major since her 2023 appearance at Flushing Meadows, when she went out in the first round.
But her entry into the main draw this year will see the seven-time grand slam champion become the oldest singles entrant at the US Open since Renee Richards participated at the age of 47 in 1981.
Venus Williams shaking off illness to roll back the years
Williams has not won a match at the US Open since 2019, when she reached the second round.
Her 2025 season had been all but wiped out due to her suffering from uterine fibroids. However, Williams made her return to the WTA Tour at the Washington Open last month.
She beat Peyton Stearns in the first round to become the oldest winner of a tour-level singles match since Martina Navratilova at Wimbledon in 2004 (47 years, eight months). Williams then lost her second-round match to Magdalena Frech.
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Asked in DC if her appearance was a one-off, Williams said: "I’m just here for now, and who knows? Maybe there’s more … I definitely feel I’ll play well. I’m still the same player. I’m a big hitter. This is my brand."
Williams subsequently played at the Cincinnati Masters, losing in the first round. While she will not be expected to make much of an impression in terms of results at Flushing Meadows, her appearance will undoubtedly generate considerable attention as Williams continues to display resilience and remarkable longevity.
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