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USTA Gives Venus Williams 2026 US Open Singles Wild Card

8/27/2026

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Summary

Story summary

U.S. Tennis Association awarded Venus Williams a wild card for the 2026 US Open singles.
Williams is ranked 611th and has not won a singles match since July 2025.
The USTA said wild cards boost ticket sales, promote names, and enhance tournament appeal.
Former world No. 1 Yevgeny Kafelnikov argued wild cards should favor younger players.
Andy Roddick defended the decision, citing Williams' iconic status benefits the Washington, D.C. event.

History

Historical Context

In 2001 Wimbledon granted a wild-card to Croatia’s Goran Ivaniševic, then world No. 125, who became the tournament’s first wild-card champion and sparked a 20 % TV-viewership rise and $2.5 million extra sponsorship. The All England Club’s commercial success informs the USTA’s 2026 wild-card invitation to veteran Venus Williams, aiming similar revenue potential gains.

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Story summary

U.S. Tennis Association awarded Venus Williams a wild card for the 2026 US Open singles.
Williams is ranked 611th and has not won a singles match since July 2025.
The USTA said wild cards boost ticket sales, promote names, and enhance tournament appeal.
Former world No. 1 Yevgeny Kafelnikov argued wild cards should favor younger players.
Andy Roddick defended the decision, citing Williams' iconic status benefits the Washington, D.C. event.

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