New York, August 14 (HS): Tennis icon Venus Williams is set to make a stunning return to Grand Slam singles action at the 2025 US Open, after being granted a wild card at the age of 45 — making her the oldest singles competitor at the tournament since Renée Richards in 1981.
The seven‑time Grand Slam singles champion, who claimed back‑to‑back US Open titles in 2000 and 2001, last played in the tournament’s main draw in 2023. Her most recent singles win in Flushing Meadows came back in 2019.
A Comeback Against the Odds
Williams underwent surgery for uterine fibroids in 2024 and missed almost the entire season. After a 16‑month layoff, she returned to the court in July at the Washington Open, marking her first competitive appearance since the 2024 Miami Open. There, she not only scored a historic victory — becoming the oldest woman to win a tour‑level singles match since Martina Navratilova’s Wimbledon run in 2004 — but also drew headlines for announcing her engagement to an Italian actor with her signature humour.
In recent weeks, Williams also played at the Cincinnati Open via wild card entry, and while her singles campaign ended in the first round, her resilience and star power continue to inspire fans. She will also team up with fellow American Riley Opelka in the mixed doubles on August 19‑20, ahead of the singles draw starting August 24.
Elite Company Among Wild Cards
Joining Williams in the women’s singles wild card list are Clervie Ngounoue, Julieta Pareja, Katie McNally, Valerie Glozman, and Elise An (all USA), along with France’s Caroline Garcia, who has announced the 2025 US Open will be her final Grand Slam, and Australia’s Talia Gibson.
An Enduring Legacy
Over the course of her glittering career, Williams has lifted 14 Grand Slam women’s doubles trophies and two mixed doubles titles with her sister Serena Williams, who retired after the 2022 US Open with 23 singles majors. Venus’s return to the biggest stage is being hailed as a celebration of longevity, competitive spirit, and an unshakable love for the game.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar
