Venus Williams is back in the spotlight, making waves both on and off the tennis court as she prepares for a historic 25th appearance at the U.S. Open. At 45 years old, the American tennis legend is not just returning to Flushing Meadows—she’s rewriting the record books as the oldest singles player to compete in the tournament since Renée Richards in 1981. But that’s not the only headline Venus is grabbing this summer: a brand-new Barbie doll, modeled in her likeness and part of Mattel’s Inspiring Women line, is hitting shelves this week, honoring her legacy as a champion and advocate.
Williams’ wild-card entry into the U.S. Open was announced Wednesday, August 13, 2025, giving her another shot at singles glory without the need to climb the qualifying ranks. It’s a fitting tribute to a career that has spanned decades and inspired countless fans. For Venus, this milestone is more than just another tournament—it’s a testament to her resilience, longevity, and impact on the sport. She’s already a seven-time Grand Slam singles champion and a fierce advocate for gender pay equity in tennis, but her story keeps evolving in ways that few could have predicted.
“A masterful match 🎾 Venus Williams is a seven-time Grand Slam champ and an advocate for gender pay equity in sports, serving greatness on and off the court! Now, Barbie is proud to honor Venus as the newest Inspiring Women doll, available at @MattelCreations and major retailers August 15,” Mattel announced in a statement that quickly went viral. The excitement wasn’t limited to the toy aisles—Serena Williams, Venus’ younger sister and fellow tennis icon, shared her enthusiasm on Instagram, posting, “Love this,” alongside a photo of the doll. Even the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) chimed in to congratulate Venus, while fans flooded social media with praise for the remarkably detailed figure. “Omg this doll looks just like Venus!! I’m impressed!” wrote one fan. Another added, “Never been more excited for a Barbie.”
While the Barbie news has sparked joy across the tennis world, Venus’ return to the U.S. Open is grabbing headlines for a different reason. No other player her age has played singles at the tournament in over four decades. The last to do so was Renée Richards, who was 47 years old in 1981. Venus’ 25th appearance at the Open is itself a rare feat, underscoring her remarkable staying power in one of the world’s most demanding sports. She enters the tournament ranked 654th in WTA singles, a number that belies her status as a legend but reflects the toll of recent injuries and a challenging 2023 season.
Yet, Venus is no stranger to comebacks. In July, she made headlines by returning to competition after a 16-month hiatus, defeating Peyton Stearns in the DC Open. That victory made Venus the oldest player to win a WTA singles match since 2004, when Martina Navratilova, then 47, triumphed in the first round of Wimbledon. Williams’ ability to compete—and win—well into her forties is a testament to both her physical conditioning and her mental fortitude. Tennis, unlike many other sports, has seen a handful of stars shine late in their careers, but Venus’ achievements stand out even among these outliers.
History is rich with examples of tennis greats defying age barriers. Martina Navratilova captured her 59th Grand Slam title in mixed doubles at age 49 in 2006. Before the Open era, Norwegian-American Molla Bjurstedt Mallory set the record as the oldest female singles champion at the U.S. Open in 1926, winning at age 42. On the men’s side, William Larned triumphed at 38 back in 1911. In the modern era, Flavia Pennetta became the oldest female singles winner at the U.S. Open at age 33 in 2015, while Novak Djokovic claimed the men’s record in 2023 at 36. These milestones underscore how rare it is for players to compete at the highest level into their late thirties and forties, let alone push into their mid-forties as Venus is doing now.
The Williams family has long been synonymous with tennis excellence and longevity. Serena Williams, Venus’ younger sister, set her own records by winning her 23rd Grand Slam singles title at age 35 in 2017—the oldest female player to achieve that distinction, according to Guinness World Records. Her victory at the Australian Open that year, against none other than Venus herself, also made Serena the oldest woman to hold the world No. 1 spot. In 2014, Serena became the second oldest female champion of the U.S. Open singles division at 32, further solidifying the sisters’ dominance and ability to challenge conventional limits.
Venus’ impact goes far beyond her trophy case. She’s been a leading voice for equal pay in tennis, helping to level the playing field for future generations of athletes. Her advocacy work has been as relentless as her baseline rallies, and her influence is now being immortalized not only in record books but also in toy stores. The Mattel Barbie doll is more than a collectible—it’s a symbol of progress and inspiration, reflecting Venus’ role as a trailblazer.
Fans, too, are celebrating the dual milestones. Responses to the Barbie announcement have ranged from awe at the doll’s likeness—“A beauty! Her face is a perfectly sculpted match. Love the jewelry too. 🎾”—to excitement for the upcoming U.S. Open. “We can’t wait! We’re a tennis family!” one fan exclaimed, echoing the sentiments of many who have followed Venus’ career from its earliest days.
But Venus isn’t just stopping at singles this year. She’ll also compete in mixed doubles alongside American Reilly Opelka, who at 27 is nearly two decades her junior. This pairing adds another intriguing layer to her Open campaign, as Venus continues to break barriers and defy expectations. The mixed doubles draw is sure to attract attention, with fans eager to see how the duo fares against younger challengers.
With the U.S. Open just around the corner, all eyes are on Venus Williams. Will she add another chapter to her storied career, or will this be a final bow on one of tennis’ grandest stages? One thing’s for sure: her presence in New York this summer is already historic, and her influence is being felt from the courts to the toy aisles. As the tournament approaches, the excitement is palpable. Venus Williams is serving up inspiration once again, proving that age is just a number when it comes to greatness.
As anticipation builds for her matches, Venus Williams stands as a living legend—honored, celebrated, and still competing at the highest level. Whether she lifts another trophy or simply continues to inspire, her legacy is secure, both in the annals of tennis and in the hearts of fans everywhere.
