The year 2022 was an emotional year for tennis fans. One of the greatest players to have played the sport, Serena Williams, announced her retirement, marking the end of an era. The American tennis legend last played at the US Open where she reached the third round and enthralled home fans before exiting the tennis scene. Exactly a year later now, her elder sister, Venus Williams, potentially faces the same situation.
Following a lengthy injury layoff last season, Venus has made a comeback of sorts this year, playing in a few tournaments. However, she has failed to dig deep, exiting in the early rounds of the tournaments. Nonetheless, her fans have something to cheer as massive update about the US Open broke out minutes ago.
Venus Williams awarded US Open wildcard
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The US Open has announced the wildcards for this year’s tournament. It features the likes of Venus Williams and Caroline Wozniacki. It will be back-to-back Grand Slam appearances for Venus, having played at the Wimbledon Championships this year.
The US Open took to its official Instagram handle to announce the wildcard awarded to Venus. With this, it will be the American icon’s 24th US Open main draw appearance. At 43, Venus will be one of the oldest competitors in the tournament. Moreover, it could potentially be the final tournament of her illustrious tennis career. Nonetheless, the elder Williams sister will look to enthrall local fans for one final time in her home Grand Slam tournament.
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On the other hand, the seven-time Grand Slam champion has seen a massive drop in her WTA rankings. Being placed at the 533rd spot, a wildcard was the only option with which she could participate in the US Open. This opportunity comes 354 days after Venus took part in her sister’s last dance at the same tournament.
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Venus joined Serena on the court last year
As Serena announced that the 2022 US Open will be the final tournament of her career, the Williams sisters decided to participate in the women’s doubles as well alongside their singles commitment. The two have been a force to reckon with as a pair over the years, winning 14 Grand Slam doubles titles.
However, their joy was short-lived as they went down fighting in the opening round against the Czech Republican pair of Lucie Hradecka and Linda Noskova. It remains to be seen if Venus participates in doubles this time around. Even if she decides so, she won’t have her sister’s company on the court this year.
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Are you excited to see Venus in action in potentially her final tournament? Let us know your views in the comments below.
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