At 45, Venus Williams will be the oldest singles player to compete in the U.S. Open after accepting a wild-card entry

Venus Williams, 45, to Become Oldest U.S. Open Singles Competitor in Over Four Decades After Wild Card Invite

Tennis legend Venus Williams is set to make history at the 2025 U.S. Open, returning to the iconic New York tournament for the first time since 2023. The 45-year-old star has received one of eight coveted wild-card invitations, ensuring her place in the singles main draw later this month.

When she steps onto the court at Flushing Meadows, Williams will become the oldest singles player to compete at the U.S. Open since Renée Richards played at age 47 in 1981. Already a two-time U.S. Open champion, Williams had previously secured a spot in this year’s mixed doubles competition, also through a wild card.

A Storied Career Spanning Decades

Over her remarkable career, Williams has amassed 47 WTA Tour titles and seven Grand Slam singles championships, including her U.S. Open victories in 2000 and 2001. She has reached the semifinals in New York three times since her last title run, though she has not advanced beyond the first round in her past three appearances since 2020.

Despite her unmatched experience and powerful playing style, the past few years have been defined by injury setbacks. Williams has had to battle her way back to competitive form, making her return to the court just last month at the DC Open—her first match in 16 months. She also competed in doubles there and accepted a wild card into the Cincinnati Open, though she exited in the opening round.

Williams on Her Comeback

Speaking to the Associated Press about her return, the former world No. 1 expressed optimism:

“I’m just here for now, and who knows? Maybe there’s more… But at the moment, I’m focused just on this. I haven’t played in a year. There is no doubt I can play tennis, but coming back to matches takes time to get in the swing of things. I definitely feel I’ll play well. I’m still the same player. I’m a big hitter. I hit big. This is my brand.”

Her comments reflect both her confidence and realism as she embraces the challenge of competing at the highest level once again.

A Cultural Icon On and Off the Court

Beyond her tennis achievements, Williams continues to make an impact off the court. Just this week, she was honored with a new Barbie doll in her likeness, celebrating her influence as both an athlete and role model. Known for her bold fashion choices, advocacy for equal prize money, and decades of dominance in the sport, Williams remains a cultural force in and beyond tennis.

Looking Ahead to the U.S. Open

The 2025 U.S. Open singles main draw begins on August 24, where Williams will attempt to defy the odds and make a deep run against a new generation of tennis stars. For fans, her return is more than just a comeback — it’s the continuation of one of tennis’s most enduring stories.

With her trademark power, fierce competitiveness, and decades of experience, Venus Williams heads to Flushing Meadows ready to add another chapter to her remarkable career — and perhaps remind the world why she has been one of the most formidable players in the history of the sport.