At 45, two-time U.S. Open champion Venus Williams receives a singles wild-card for Flushing Meadows, becoming the oldest competitor since 1981.
Comeback at the Open: A Grand Slam Return at 45
In a major development for tennis and sports fans across Canada, Venus Williams, now 45, has been granted a wild-card entry into the singles draw at the 2025 U.S. Open, confirming her return to Grand Slam competition after a year-long hiatus.
Time and Venue: Late August in New York
The U.S. Open is set for August 24, 2025, in Flushing Meadows, New York. Williams’s participation will mark her as the oldest singles player in the tournament since Renee Richards, who competed at age 47 in 1981—a record that stands across more than four decades.
Why It Matters: Legacy and Longevity
This invitation is significant not only for its emotional resonance but also for what it means for tennis history. Williams is a two-time U.S. Open singles champion (2000, 2001) and has collected seven major singles titles overall. Her return spotlights longevity in elite sport—and underscores that age need not define competitive eligibility.
Road to the Wild-Card: Recovery and Momentum
Williams had surgery in 2024 to remove uterine fibroids, which sidelined her from most of the season. She returned to action earlier this year, making headlines at the Miami Open as the oldest woman to win a tour-level singles match since Martina Navratilova at Wimbledon 2004. She also played in Cincinnati, entering by wild-card, and participated in Washington, D.C., drawing attention both for her performance and her candid remarks about her return—including lighthearted quips about health insurance.
Mixed Doubles Also Covered: Opelka Partnership
In addition to singles, Williams had already secured a spot in the mixed doubles at the U.S. Open, teaming up with American Reilly Opelka, aged 27. Their pairing is expected to generate significant interest, blending experience with youthful firepower.
What’s Next: Expectations and Excitement
Williams’s return sets the stage for one of the most intriguing draws in recent memory. Fans and pundits alike will watch closely as she navigates her comeback—tapping into her trademark power and competitive spirit. Her journey from surgery to Slam-level competition is a compelling narrative of resilience and passion, and her presence at Flushing Meadows promises to be both inspiring and historic.
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