Tennis star Venus Williams can compete at the US Open this year. According to the International Tennis Association (ITF), the American has become the oldest individual participant since Renee Richards, who started at the US Open at the age of 47.
The 45-year-old received a wildcard for the main field of the last Grand Slam tournament of the year from August 24th to September 7th in New York. The sister of Serena Williams, which had already resigned from competitive sports, won the US Open 2000 and 2001.
Williams had previously received a wildcard for the mixed double.
Rounded-out at comeback in Cincinnati
Venus Williams is one of the best tennis professionals in history. In her career, which is more than 30 years long, she won seven Grand Slam titles in singles, plus 14 in doubles with her younger sister Serena Williams and two titles in mixed. Four Olympic gold medals also complement their trophy cabinet.
In July, after a 16 month break, Williams had only given her comeback in Washington in doubles and later in singles. In the individual competition, she penetrated to the round of 16. With her first individual victory for almost two years, she has become the oldest match winner on the WTA tour in 21 years. Last week in Cincinnati, she left the first round.