Two-time US Open singles champion Venus Williams will once again grace the courts at Flushing Meadows after organisers announced she has been awarded a wildcard entry into this year’s tournament.
At 45, the American legend continues to defy age and physical challenges, extending a career that has already spanned more than three decades.
This will be Williams’ first appearance in the US Open singles main draw since 2023, when she exited in the opening round to Belgian Greet Minnen.
Alongside her singles entry, Williams has also been granted a wildcard to compete in mixed doubles with compatriot Reilly Opelka, with their campaign beginning August 19.
A seven-time Grand Slam singles champion, Venus boasts 14 women’s doubles Grand Slam titles — all won with her sister Serena Williams — and two additional Grand Slam mixed doubles crowns.
The US Open organisers also handed singles main draw wildcards to fellow Americans Clervie Ngounoue, Julieta Pareja, Caty McNally, Valerie Glozman, and Alyssa Ahn, ensuring a strong domestic contingent.
Men’s Draw Wildcards Announced
On the men’s side, a wave of American talent will take the stage through wildcards: Brandon Holt, Nishesh Basavareddy, Tristan Boyer, Emilio Nava, Stefan Dostanic, and Darwin Blanch. They are joined by France’s Valentin Royer and Australia’s Tristan Schoolkate.
Venus’ Recent Form and Historic Milestone
Williams’ return to the Grand Slam spotlight follows a headline-making performance last month at the Washington Open, where she became the oldest player to win a WTA singles match since 2004 by defeating Peyton Stearns — an achievement made more remarkable given her 16-month absence from competitive tennis.
Her run ended at the Cincinnati Open with a 6-4, 6-4 first-round loss to Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, a 22-year-old who was not even born when Venus secured her first four major titles.
Bouzas Maneiro, currently ranked No. 51, praised her opponent: “She’s a legend. This was a privilege… an inspiration for young players.”
Venus, speaking after the match, was candid about her performance: “Just coming back, not everything’s going to be perfect. In DC, I played four matches in four days, and that helped physically. I felt good going into this match, but I just ran out of time figuring things out.”
She also reflected on her 11th appearance at the Cincinnati Open, where she reached the semifinals in 2012 and quarterfinals in 2019: “I had so much fun out there… There were moments I had a lot of chances and others where I was working through the kinks. But there was never a moment I didn’t go for it.”
Other Wildcard Highlights and Farewell Appearances
Among other notable wildcard entries in the women’s singles is France’s Caroline Garcia, the 2022 semi-finalist and WTA Finals champion, who earlier this year revealed that this season will be her last on tour. Her Flushing Meadows appearance is expected to be an emotional farewell.
Record Prize Money for 2025 US Open
In addition to a star-studded lineup, the 2025 US Open will see record-breaking prize money. The total purse has risen to nearly $85 million across all competitions, with both the men’s and women’s singles champions set to receive an unprecedented $5 million each.
Total player compensation — including hotel, food, and other support costs not tied to match results — will reach $90 million, marking a 20% increase from last year.
As the countdown to the tournament begins, Venus Williams’ return will be one of the most closely followed storylines, as fans eagerly watch whether the enduring champion can summon another magical run under the bright lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium.
#USOpen2025 #VenusWilliams #TennisLegend #GrandSlam #FlushingMeadows #USTA #CarolineGarcia #TennisHistory #WTA #ATPTour #PrizeMoney #Wildcards #AmericanTennis #SportsNews #ArthurAsheStadium
