Overview

• US Open organizers awarded her one of eight women’s wild cards, securing her 24th main-draw appearance since her 1997 debut
• At 45, she will be the oldest competitor in the Flushing Meadows singles draw since Renée Richards in 1981
• She beat world No. 35 Peyton Stearns in Washington and then lost her opening Cincinnati match to Bouzas Maneiro
• A Venus Williams–inspired Barbie went on sale around Ferragosto as a tribute to her achievements and advocacy for pay and gender equity
• Williams has not officially retired, competing part-time with a WTA ranking around No. 644