Venus Williams and Sloane Stephens Awarded Wild Cards for the US Open

In a significant announcement on Tuesday, the United States Tennis Association revealed the recipients of wild card entries for the upcoming US Open, set to take place from August 30 to September 13. Among the notable names receiving wild cards are former champions Venus Williams and Sloane Stephens, both of whom have made their mark in the tournament's history.

While the inclusion of the Williams sisters adds excitement to the event, one wild card spot remains unfilled in both the men's and women's draws. This vacancy comes as 23-time Grand Slam winner Serena Williams prepares for her return to competitive tennis. Serena, who is not yet officially in the tournament lineup, is looking to make a comeback after a challenging first-round exit at Wimbledon earlier this year. The 44-year-old tennis icon has not participated in a singles Grand Slam since the 2022 US Open, where she reached the third round.

Venus Williams, aged 46, is a five-time Wimbledon singles champion and claimed the US Open titles in 2000 and 2001. However, she has faced difficulties on the court recently, suffering 14 consecutive losses in WTA singles matches since July 2025. Sloane Stephens, 33, who triumphed at the US Open in 2017, is also looking to make a strong showing in this year's tournament.

The women's wild card selections also feature a mix of emerging talent and seasoned players, including Americans Carol Young Suh Lee, Reese Brantmeier, and 17-year-old Thea Frodin. Additionally, French player Leolia Jeanjean and Australian Taylah Preston have earned their spots in the main draw.

On the men's side, the wild card list includes French player Gael Monfils, who is approaching his 40th birthday in September and has announced his retirement at the end of the current season. Australian Alexei Popyrin is also among the chosen players, alongside a group of promising American talents: Martin Damm Jr., Michael Zheng, JJ Wolf, Sebastian Gorzny, and 18-year-old Jack Kennedy.

As the US Open approaches, the anticipation builds around the potential matchups and the return of familiar faces, promising an exciting tournament for tennis fans worldwide.