Venus Williams’ return to the tennis court is in full motion, with a wild-card invitation to the U.S. Open marking her latest milestone. At 45, she is set to become the oldest singles entrant in over 40 years, a significant achievement in the world of tennis, where age often plays a role in a player’s endurance and performance. This invitation comes just weeks after she made history by becoming the oldest woman to win a singles match since Martina Navratilova in 2004, demonstrating her continued competitiveness on the Grand Slam stage.
Williams is entering the U.S. Open as the oldest singles competitor since 1981, a record previously held by Renee Richards, who was 47 at the time. This milestone underscores her determination to remain relevant in the sport despite the physical and emotional challenges that come with age. Her previous appearance at the U.S. Open was marred by a first-round exit, but her recent comeback is a testament to her perseverance. Last month, she participated in the D.C. Open, where she secured her first singles victory in 16 months after a long hiatus and a series of injuries, a significant step in her recovery process.
During her D.C. Open victory, Williams expressed her satisfaction with her performance, stating,