Venus Williams, a name synonymous with tennis greatness, is set to defy the odds once again as she prepares for a sensational return to the US Open at age 45. After receiving a coveted wild card for the singles main draw, Williams will become the oldest singles competitor at Flushing Meadows since Renée Richards graced the courts at 47 back in 1981. For tennis fans and sports historians, this moment is more than just a comeback—it's an inspiring chapter in a storied career that has spanned over two decades and shaped the very fabric of women’s tennis.
Williams’ journey to this year’s US Open is nothing short of remarkable. After a 16-month hiatus from the WTA Tour—largely due to injuries and a challenging 2023 campaign—she made her much-anticipated tennis return in July 2025. Her comeback began at the DC Open, where she notched her first singles victory in two years by defeating Peyton Stearns in Washington, DC. That win wasn’t just a personal triumph; it also made Williams the oldest player to win a singles match on the WTA Tour since the legendary Martina Navratilova’s first-round victory at Wimbledon in 2004, when Navratilova was 47. As reported by NPR, "Venus Williams celebrates after winning a women's single match against Peyton Stearns during on day 2 of the Mubadala Citi DC Open on July 22 in Washington, DC."
Of course, Williams’ return to top-level competition hasn’t been without its challenges. After her morale-boosting win in Washington, she faced a tough second-round loss to Magdalena Frech, falling 6-2, 6-2. She then competed at the Cincinnati Open, but was unable to advance past the early rounds. Despite these setbacks, Williams’ determination has never wavered. Her presence on court, even after such a long break, speaks volumes about her passion for the sport and her enduring athleticism.
Williams’ wild card entry into the US Open singles main draw is a testament to her status as one of the game’s greats. Currently ranked 654th in WTA singles and listed as inactive until her July return, Williams did not have to qualify based on ranking—a nod to her legacy and the excitement she brings to the tournament. According to the International Tennis Federation, this will be her 25th appearance at the US Open, an astonishing milestone that places her among the most experienced players in the event’s history.
And what a history it is. Williams is a seven-time grand slam singles champion, with two of those victories coming at the US Open. She has also claimed 14 doubles titles alongside her sister Serena Williams, and two mixed doubles grand slam titles. Her last singles triumph at the US Open came in 2019, but her last appearance at Flushing Meadows was in 2023, where she exited in the first round. This year, she’s not just aiming for another run in singles; she’s also set to compete in the mixed doubles competition alongside fellow American Reilly Opelka, age 27. The pair will take part in a reimagined mixed doubles event, which will be held several days before the singles tournament officially gets underway on August 24, 2025.
The main draw for the 2025 US Open will be announced on August 21, and fans are already buzzing with anticipation. Who will Williams face in the first round? Can she conjure some of that old Flushing Meadows magic and make a deep run? While expectations are tempered by her recent form and age, the tennis world knows better than to count Venus out—she’s made a career of rewriting the script.
Williams’ story is also a testament to the longevity and evolving nature of professional tennis. While most athletes retire in their early thirties, tennis has seen several legends push the boundaries of age. Martina Navratilova won a mixed doubles grand slam at 49, and Serena Williams, Venus’ younger sister, captured her 23rd grand slam singles title at 35, becoming the oldest female player to hold the world No. 1 spot. Venus herself is now the oldest woman to compete in the US Open in over four decades, a feat that draws comparisons to icons like Renée Richards and even pre-open era greats such as Molla Bjurstedt Mallory, who won the US Open singles title at age 42 in 1926.
The 2025 US Open is also notable for the influx of young talent receiving wild cards. Americans Clervie Ngounoue, Julieta Pareja, Caty McNally, Valerie Glozman, and Alyssa Ahn, along with France’s Caroline Garcia and Australia’s Talia Gibson, will join Williams in the women’s singles main draw. This mix of rising stars and seasoned veterans promises a tournament rich in both history and future potential.
Yet, the changes to the mixed doubles format have not been without controversy. Tournament organizers have moved the event to precede the singles draw, aiming to attract more fans and spotlight top players. While some, like Williams and Opelka, have welcomed the adjustment, others—such as defending champions Sara Errani and Andrea Vavassori—have voiced concerns. They argue that the new schedule may sideline doubles specialists in favor of bigger names, calling the move “a profound injustice.”
For Williams, though, the focus remains firmly on the court. Her preparation has been intense, and her competitive spirit is undimmed. As she told reporters after her comeback in Washington, "No matter how Williams performs at Flushing Meadows in a couple of weeks, it's incredible that she's playing her 25th US Open." That sentiment is echoed by fans and fellow athletes alike, many of whom see her as a trailblazer and a source of inspiration.
As the tennis world turns its attention to New York, all eyes will be on Venus Williams. Will she add another remarkable chapter to her already legendary career? Or will this US Open serve as a fitting celebration of her enduring impact on the sport? Either way, her presence at Flushing Meadows is a victory in itself—a testament to resilience, passion, and the timeless allure of tennis greatness.
With the US Open set to begin on August 24 and the main draw announcement just days away, the stage is set for a tournament filled with excitement, nostalgia, and the promise of unforgettable moments. Venus Williams, ever the competitor, stands ready to embrace the challenge. Let the games begin!
