Venus Williams is making history at the 2025 US Open by becoming the oldest singles player to compete in the tournament in over four decades.
At 45 years old, she has received a wild-card entry into the singles draw, marking her return to Grand Slam singles competition after a two-year absence.
This makes her the oldest player in the singles event since Renée Richards, who played at age 47 back in 1981.
Williams has a celebrated career at the US Open, winning the singles title twice, in 2000 and 2001. Over her career, she has won seven Grand Slam singles championships and 14 women’s doubles titles, mostly alongside her sister Serena Williams.
She has also claimed two mixed doubles championships. This year’s entry marks her 25th appearance in the US Open singles main draw.
Her return comes after a nearly 16-month break due to various injuries. She made an appearance last month at the Washington D.C. Open, where she became the oldest player to win a WTA singles match in more than 20 years.
Despite some early exits in recent tournaments, including a first-round loss at the 2023 US Open, her participation this year carries profound weight, as it portrays how much of a fighter she is and how she will always push her body to whatever limits, if it means she gets to play tennis.
In addition to her singles participation, Williams has also received a wild-card entry for the mixed doubles event at the 2025 US Open. The tournament starts on August 24 at Flushing Meadows, where Williams will look to add to her vast list of achievements.
Williams turned professional nearly 30 years ago and has consistently shown her ability to match her skill with her endurance and competitiveness.
Her ongoing presence in the sport is proof of how much work she put into herself early in the day. She is currently not giving any hint at retirement.
