Venus Williams, 45, receives US Open singles wildcard

(Getty/Robert Prange)

Venus Williams will become the oldest player to feature in the US Open singles main draw in 44 years after receiving a wildcard.

In 1981, Renee Richards entered the tournament as a 47-year-old.

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Williams, 45, returned to the WTA tour at the Washington Open last month, despite a 28-month hiatus dating back to the 2023 Miami Open.

A seven-time Grand Slam champion in singles, the American legend became the second-oldest winner on the women's circuit, only behind Martina Navratilova, when she defeated Peyton Stearns in Washington.

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Although she lost her first round match at the Cincinnati Open last week, Williams has risen nearly 9,500 places in the rankings to world No.654 since her comeback.

The US Open main draw begins on August 25.

Williams already accepted a wildcard to compete in the newly revamped mixed doubles format at Flushing Meadows, where she will partner with Reilly Opelka.

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