Tennis legend Venus Williams will make her long-awaited return to Grand Slam singles at the 2025 US Open after receiving a wildcard invitation to compete at Flushing Meadows, the U.S. Tennis Association announced on Wednesday.
At 45, Williams will be the oldest singles entrant at the tournament since Renee Richards competed at age 47 in 1981, according to the International Tennis Federation.
The seven-time major singles champion — who claimed US Open titles in 2000 and 2001 — had already secured a wildcard for next week’s mixed doubles competition in New York. Singles play begins on August 24.
Williams last appeared in a Grand Slam at the 2023 US Open, where she exited in the first round. She has not won a singles match at the event since 2019.
Her competitive return began last month at the DC Open, marking her first match in 16 months. When asked then if it was a one-time comeback, Williams said: “I’m just here for now, and who knows? Maybe there’s more … I definitely feel I’ll play well. I’m still the same player. I’m a big hitter. This is my brand.”
