Serena and Venus Williams will reunite in women’s doubles at the US Open after receiving a wildcard, bringing the decorated pair back to a tournament they have won twice. The decision comes alongside renewed debate over Venus Williams’ separate singles wildcard.
The sisters last played doubles together in New York in 2022, when they lost in the first round in what was widely viewed as Serena’s final appearance at the tournament. They have since returned to competition: Serena came back this summer after a four-year absence, while Venus is entered in the singles draw. The pair also played together at the Cincinnati Open, where they lost in the opening round.1
Their record provides a strong case for the doubles invitation. The Williams sisters are 27-7 in nine US Open appearances, have won the event in 1999 and 2009, and together hold 14 Grand Slam doubles titles and three Olympic gold medals. Serena, 44, has also appeared in mixed doubles this week with Carlos Alcaraz, while Venus, 46, is set to become the tournament’s oldest singles entrant since Renee Richards played at age 47 in 1981.1
Coverage from another perspective emphasized the reunion and its sporting history, noting that the sisters are returning to “the event they have won twice” and will play together again after their 2022 appearance.2 The more critical reaction focused instead on Venus’ singles wildcard. Some fans argued that a younger player should receive the place, describing it as a lost opportunity for emerging talent.1
The contrasting responses reflect two different interpretations of the invitations: one treats the doubles entry as a rare chance to see a historic partnership again, while the other questions whether nostalgia and past success should outweigh current competitive prospects in the singles draw.