Williams last participated in a Grand Slam tournament at the 2023 U.S. Open, losing in the first round. She hasn’t won a singles match there since 2019.

This article was originally published on www.si.com/onsi/serve as Venus Williams Secures US Open Wild Card at Age 45. Venus Williams was a force of nature when she stormed onto the global tennis stage as a teenager, and she continues to shake up the sport decades later.

Williams' entry into the year's final major tournament at age 45 will make her the oldest player on the singles side since 47-year-old Renée Richards took part in the 1981 event. A two-time U.S. Open winner, Williams was already entered into the mixed doubles competition after receiving a wild-card invite.