Venus Williams is set to return to Grand Slam singles after a two-year hiatus and will break a remarkable record in the process.
At the age of 45, Williams will become the oldest player to participate in the US Open singles in 44 years.
Renee Richards played at the tournament aged 47 back in 1981, with the record stretching a remarkable amount of time.
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The former world No1 enters the tournament after receiving a wildcard invitation.
Venus Williams is returning to Grand Slam tennis after a two-year absence
| PAThe seven-time Grand Slam winner also won the competition on two previous occasions.
But, it has been 24 years since her last triumph there - with her titles coming consecutively in 2000 and 2001 - and 17 years since her last Grand Slam victory.
Williams’ most recent Grand Slam appearance came at the US Open in 2023, where she suffered one of her heaviest defeats of her career against qualifier Geet Minnen, winning just two games.
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Venus Williams suffered one of the heaviest defeats of her career against Geet Minnen in her last time out at the US Open
|Getty
The game marked her 100th career US Open match.
Despite an injury-ridden last two years, Williams has remained insistent that she has not retired.
At the 2025 Met Gala, she denied any retirement rumours, explaining she would return to play “when the time feels right”.
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The two-time US Open champion returned to the court in July, becoming the oldest winner of a WTA match since 2004.
After her comeback, she was asked whether fans would see her on the court again. Her response was vague: “I’m just here for now, and who knows?
“Maybe there’s more … I definitely feel I’ll play well. I’m still the same player. I’m a big hitter. This is my brand.”
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Venus Williams continued to deny retirement rumours during her time away from the court
| PAThe world No643 fell short in the second round, but made a sensational return to Grand Slam the following month.
Williams also received a wildcard invitation for the US Open mixed doubles tournament, set to commence on August 24.
Doubles, particularly with sister Serena, is where the 45-year-old has had the most success throughout her career.
The five-time Wimbledon singles champion has a remarkable 14 Grand Slam doubles titles, with a further three gold medals in doubles to boot.
The 45-year-old and her sister Serena have legendary status within the game, with the pair winning an astonishing 30 Grand Slams singles between them across an 18-year period.