Venus Williams is heading back to the US Open after receiving a singles wild card from the United States Tennis Association.
This gives the seven-time Grand Slam champion another chance to compete at the tournament where she has made so much history.
The 46-year-old American was included in the latest list of women’s wild-card recipients announced by the USTA on Tuesday.
The US Open main draw begins on August 30 in New York, with Williams set to make her 24th appearance at Flushing Meadows.
Williams first played the US Open in 1997 and reached the final the following year, losing to Lindsay Davenport.
She went on to win the singles title in 2000 and 2001, beating Serena Williams in the latter final. Her record at the tournament also includes two further runner-up finishes in 2002 and 2003.
Her return comes during a difficult stretch of her comeback. Williams is currently ranked No. 615 and has struggled to find wins since returning to singles competition.
Her latest defeat came at the Cincinnati Open, where she lost 6-2, 6-2 to Colombia’s Emiliana Arango in 66 minutes. It was her 14th consecutive singles defeat.
The ranking means Williams would not have entered the US Open main draw directly, making the USTA’s decision important for her hopes of competing in New York. Williams has received several wild cards during her return to singles.
She competed in Washington and Toronto before playing Cincinnati, giving her more opportunities to test herself against the current generation after spending a long period away from the singles circuit.
Her presence in New York will also add another familiar name to a tournament where she has been competing for almost three decades.
Williams has won seven Grand Slam singles titles during her career, including five Wimbledon championships.
There is also interest in whether Serena Williams could join her in New York. Serena was not included in the confirmed women’s singles wild-card list, although one invitation remains available.
She recently teamed up with Venus in doubles at Cincinnati, marking their return to competitive doubles together and fueling speculation about a possible US Open appearance.
Leon Osamor
