A seven-time Grand Slam singles champion, Venus Williams, is set to return to the US Open, this time competing in the mixed doubles category alongside fellow American Reilly Opelka after the pair received a wild card entry.
The 45-year-old tennis icon rejoined the professional circuit just last week following more than a year away from competition.
On Tuesday, the U.S. Tennis Association confirmed that Williams and Opelka are among the 14 teams selected to participate in the mixed doubles draw, scheduled for August 19–20.
Her inclusion has stirred anticipation among tennis fans eager to see the veteran star — a four-time US Open champion in both singles and doubles — back in action on the hard courts of Flushing Meadows.
Williams recently accepted a wildcard to compete in the WTA 500 tournament in Washington, marking her first official match appearance since the 2024 Miami Open. Earlier this season, she was granted a wildcard into the Indian Wells Open but opted to withdraw shortly after the announcement.
“I’m just here for now, and who knows?” Williams told the Associated Press after securing consecutive victories on her return. “Maybe there’s more…but at the moment, I’m focused just on this. I haven’t played in a year.
“There is no doubt I can play tennis, but obviously coming back to play matches, it takes time to get in the swing of things. I definitely feel I’ll play well. I’m still the same player – I’m a big hitter, I hit big. This is my brand.”
