Venus Williams enters US Open as unseeded wildcard competitor
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 28, 2026, 5:28 AM
Last updated Aug 28, 2026
Venus Williams, 46, has received a wildcard entry into the US Open, where she will face Sofia Kenin in the first round. Despite not winning a singles match in over a year and holding a world ranking of 611, tournament officials believe her presence adds commercial value to the event. Williams has historically been an influential figure in tennis, having won five Wimbledon titles and two US Open singles championships. This year, she has received 12 wildcards across various competitions, reflecting ongoing interest from tournament directors worldwide.
- •Williams has not won a singles match since July 2025.
- •She has received 12 wildcards this year across multiple events.
- •Tournament directors value her legacy and market appeal.
- •Williams last qualified for a Grand Slam based on ranking in 2021.
- •She was a doubles quarter-finalist at the US Open last year.
- 5:28 AMYahoo Sports — 'A generational icon' - why wildcards abound for Venus Williams
- 5:28 AMBBC Sport — 'A generational icon' - why wildcards abound for Venus Williams
"Venus Williams has not won a singles match in over a year but has received numerous wildcards to compete. The reasons why go beyond just tennis.
"Venus Williams has not won a singles match in over a year but has received numerous wildcards to compete. The reasons why go beyond just tennis.
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsAug 28, 2026, 5:28 AM'A generational icon' - why wildcards abound for Venus Williams
Venus Williams has not won a singles match in over a year but has received numerous wildcards to compete. The reasons why go beyond just tennis.
- BBC SportAug 28, 2026, 5:28 AM'A generational icon' - why wildcards abound for Venus Williams
Venus Williams has not won a singles match in over a year but has received numerous wildcards to compete. The reasons why go beyond just tennis.
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