Table of Contents
- Venus Williams US Open wild card has stoked a divisive debate among tennis fans
- She is the oldest tennis player on the WTA Tour currently, since 1981 when Renee Richards played in her mid-forties
- A section of her fans thought her absence from the WTA Tour was a silent retirement move, but it wasn’t, although she contemplated about it
Even before the dust settles on her love life, Venus Williams US Open wild card has stoked a divisive debate among tennis fans.
She will play at Flushing Meadows in New York for the first time in 16 months, after taking a tennis hiatus to recover from injury.
A section of her fans thought her absence from the WTA Tour was a silent retirement move, but it wasn’t, although she had contemplated about it.
It took persuasion by her former coach, Rick Massi and her fiancée, Andrea Preti to return to tour after months of confusion.
Now, her biggest task ahead is proving that she deserves this wild card. Some quarters are doubting her, especially when playing against younger and formidable players such as Iga Swiatek, Jessica Pegula, Aryna Sabalenka, among others.
What will it be like for the seven-time Grand Slam Champion?
Controversy Surrounding Serena Williams US Open Wild Card
American tennis player Venus Williams and Andrea Preti. Photo/People.com
To begin with, Venus Williams is celebrated as one of the greatest female tennis players of all time. She has won seven Grand Slam singles titles, including two US Open victories in 2000 and 2001.
Beyond trophies, her influence on the game, has been historic. She inspired countless young girls to take up tennis and changed the perception of women’s sports.
However, there is brewing controversy about Serena Williams US Open wild card, possibly driven by the last time she won a Grand Slam.
Venus grabbed her seventh and last Grand Slam 24 years ago. At 45 years old, she has struggled to remain competitive at the highest level.
Her recent record doesn’t justify a wildcard. For example, at the 2024 US Open, she lost heavily to Greet Minnen in a one-sided match.
While she recently managed a win in Washington against Peyton Stearns at the Citi DC Open after 16 months of absence, it does little to prove she can challenge serious opponents in a major tournament.
This is why the wildcard award raises questions.
Why is a Wild Card Important?
Wildcards exist to help former champions return from injury or time away from the sport, but Venus’ case is different. She has been playing part-time, not battling to return from an absence.
Some pundits feel that Venus Williams US Open wild card is no more than a marketing and optics gimmick for the last major tournament of the WTA Tour.
It lacks fairness even as tournament organisers push their agenda to bring a big name to the court. Doing so denies an opportunity to a younger rising star who could benefit greatly from main-draw experience at Flushing Meadows.
American tennis star Venus Williams at a past match. She is currently the oldest player on the WTA Tour. Photo/Sky Sports
Additionally, Venus is on record celebrating the role she has played in inspiring younger female tennis players to take up the sport.
Yet, her choice to keep playing through wildcards continues to block young and deserving players from realising their dream.
Can Venus Win at 2025 US Open?
Williams is not expected to make a deep run at the US Open, tennis pundits state. At 45, competing with the best in the world is almost impossible, another reason fanning the flames on Venus Williams US Open wild card.
Renee Richards was the oldest tennis player to play at the US Open in 1981. She was 47 years old. Venus is closely following in her steps, making a huge Grand Slam run at 45.
