Venus Williams is set to make a dramatic return to the US Open after being handed a wildcard for the Grand Slam this year.
Williams was given a Cincinnati Open wildcard, but lost her opening match 6-4, 6-4 to Jessica Bouzas Maneiro.
That followed her return to tennis from a lengthy break at the Washington Open, where Williams won once before exiting the tournament.
Williams loved her return in Washington after 16 months out, where she also won once and lost once in the women’s doubles event.
The seven-time Grand Slam singles and 14-time doubles champion is expected to take on the same duties at the US Open.
Photo by Robert Prange/Getty ImagesMany tennis fans unhappy with US Open after Venus Williams wildcard
She’ll play mixed doubles with Reilly Opelka, and is playing the singles event in New York thanks to her wildcard.
But that handout has not pleased every tennis fan, with one writing on X: “By doing so, isn’t she taking up the position of some deserving competitor?”
A second angry fan commented: “Venus taking a spot from a young upcoming player,” with a third saying: “What a joke, taking the spot of some young tennis talent.”
She took a spot from someone else who actually deserves the wildcard.
— Nac (@Getafe1) August 13, 2025
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Many other tennis fans delighted after Venus Williams handed US Open wildcard
Williams is a tennis legend, and fortunately many fans have recognised such status amid her US Open wildcard decision.
At 45, she’ll become the oldest singles player at the Grand Slam in 44 years, with many tennis fans very excited by the situation.
They call it a ‘wild card,’ but let’s be real, the US Open just ensured the singles draw got a much-needed dose of greatness after a two-year hiatus. Venus is back.
— Jason Frakk (@FrakkJason47117) August 13, 2025
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One wrote on X: “This is awesome,” with a second excited fan commenting: “This is so great for the sport.”
And others said: “The US Open just got a whole lot more interesting” and “Great to see her back on the big stage, she’s always a thrill to watch.”
Currently ranked 577th on the WTA Tour, Williams made her last Grand Slam singles appearance at the US Open back in 2023.
She was again a wildcard at the tournament back then, losing her opening match 6-1, 6-1 against Greet Minnen.
The legendary American has reached the final of the US Open on four occasions, winning twice and losing twice.