Venus Williams receives US Open wildcard at 46, Serena may follow
One Williams sister is officially in this year's US Open women's singles draw and the tournament is keeping one spot open for the other, four years after her farewell.
Venus Williams, at 46 years old, has been granted a wildcard entry into the US Open singles tournament. This makes her the oldest singles entrant since Renee Richards, who played at 47 in 1981. The tournament is holding a spot open for her sister Serena, who may join her in the event. Other wild card recipients include Alexei Popyrin and Gael Monfils, both from Australia.
Sloane Stephens and six other women have also received wild cards. Tennis authorities anticipate Serena Williams to be the next to potentially receive a wild card, assuming she decides to return to the tournament at 44. Venus Williams previously received a wildcard last year, becoming the oldest entrant in singles since Renee Richards.
The sisters recently played together in doubles at the Cincinnati Open, but had to withdraw due to Serena's knee injury. The men's wild cards include Gael Monfils and Alexei Popyrin, with Stan Wawrinka potentially joining them. The women's wild cards include Carol Young Suh Lee, Reese Brantmeier, Thea Frodin, Leolia Jeanjean, and Taylah Preston.
The main draw of the US Open begins on August 30, with qualifying tournaments scheduled earlier in the week.
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