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Venus Williams Gets 2026 U.S. Open Wildcard

8/19/2026

46 4 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

United States Tennis Association (USTA) gave 46-year-old Venus Williams, winless in ten 2026 matches, a wildcard for the 2026 U.S. Open singles.
The main draw starts Sunday, 30 August, at Flushing Meadows.
Other wildcards were given to Sloane Stephens and rising players.
Officials said the wildcard could go to 44-year-old Serena Williams.
Serena, back after retirement, lost to Maya Joint in Wimbledon’s first round while nursing a knee injury.

History

Historical Context

In 2009 the USTA gave a wildcard to Kim Clijsters, who returned from retirement and became the first mother to win a Grand Slam since Evonne Goolagong in 1980, showing wildcards can revive careers. Building on that, the USTA granted 46-year-old Venus Williams a wildcard for the 2026 U.S. Open and considered 44-year-old Serena, using legacy stars to draw viewers and shift age expectations.

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Story summary

United States Tennis Association (USTA) gave 46-year-old Venus Williams, winless in ten 2026 matches, a wildcard for the 2026 U.S. Open singles.
The main draw starts Sunday, 30 August, at Flushing Meadows.
Other wildcards were given to Sloane Stephens and rising players.
Officials said the wildcard could go to 44-year-old Serena Williams.
Serena, back after retirement, lost to Maya Joint in Wimbledon’s first round while nursing a knee injury.

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