Venus Williams, 46, Gets US Open Singles Wildcard

A wildcard is a special invitation that lets a player enter a tournament without a high ranking or qualifying matches. Organisers often give these places to famous players, and Williams, a seven-time Grand Slam champion, is one of the biggest names in tennis. However, her recent results have been weak: she has lost all ten of her singles matches this season and has not won a match at a Grand Slam since 2021. She also lives with an autoimmune disease, diagnosed in 2011, which causes her pain. This week she played doubles with Serena at the Cincinnati Open, their first tournament together since 2022.

The decision has split tennis fans. Critics on social media said the place should have gone to a promising young player. Others pointed out that the Williams sisters still attract huge crowds, with full stands for their return in Cincinnati. On the men's side, Gael Monfils received a wildcard for the last Grand Slam of his career, and former champion Stan Wawrinka may take the remaining place. The main draw begins on 30 August.