Top News

Venus Williams to Compete in US Open

Seven-time Grand Slam winner Venus Williams is set to participate in the wildcard category for the women's singles at the upcoming US Open, commencing on August 18.

The two-time champion, who clinched the title in 2000 and 2001, will be joined by fellow American players Clervie Ngounoue, Julieta Pareja, Caty McNally, Valerie Glozman, and Alyssa Ahn, as well as France's Caroline Garcia, a semifinalist in 2022, and Australian Talia Gibson.

A Remarkable Comeback at 45

At the age of 45, Williams made her comeback last month at the Washington DC Open, marking her first match in 16 months. She achieved her first singles victory in nearly two years, becoming the oldest player to win a WTA Tour-level singles match in over 21 years, reaching the round of 16 in the process.

Additionally, she will compete in the mixed doubles event alongside American Reilly Opelka at the US Open.

Inspiring Future Generations

Together with her sister Serena, Williams has significantly influenced the next wave of black tennis talent, including Ngounoue. In a press conference prior to the tournament, Venus expressed her excitement about the impact she has made, which she never anticipated when she first picked up a racquet.

"As a young person, I aspired to play the game and become a champion. My love for the sport was immense, but I never realized it would grow beyond myself," she stated, as reported on the US Open's website.

"Witnessing these young women achieve positive milestones, winning tournaments, and inspiring future generations is something I could never have imagined. It feels like icing on the cake, with cherries on top and all the trimmings. It's truly beautiful," she concluded.

---