Venus Williams will participate in the upcoming US Open, becoming the oldest player in the tournament in the past 44 years. The American, sister of Serena, will compete at 45 years old, marking her first Grand Slam appearance since 2023, the year she also played at Flushing Meadows.
Williams will aim to reach the second round for the first time in four years, having last done so at Wimbledon 2021. Since then, she has played in three major tournaments and was eliminated in the first round each time. A historic player returns to the court.
The seven-time Grand Slam champion and former world No. 1 confirmed a return that will be historic. Despite her age, Williams will not be the oldest player to compete in the US Open, as another record surpasses hers, which may come as a surprise.
Who is the oldest player to compete in the US Open?
The oldest player to compete in the US Open was Renée Richards, who played at 47, two years older than Venus. Richards participated in the 1981 tournament, where she was eliminated in the first round of the women’s singles main draw. She lost to American Andrea Leand with scores of 6-4, 2-6, 7-5.
Venus Williams’ activity in 2025
In 2025, Williams competed at the Washington Open, exiting in the second round after losing 6-2, 6-2 to Magdalena Frech. Her most recent appearance was at the Cincinnati Open, where she was eliminated in the first round by Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro.
Her appearance in Washington was her first in 16 months, during which she won a match against fellow American Peyton Stearns. This victory made Williams the oldest player to win a WTA Tour singles match in over 21 years.