BBC Sport
·28 Aug 2026
US Open 2026: Why does Venus Williams get so many wildcards?
Venus Williams has received 12 wildcards in 2026 despite being ranked 611th and having lost 18 of her last 19 singles matches. Tournament directors and the USTA say her extraordinary legacy, popularity, media attention and ability to remain competitive justify the invitations, while wildcard exchanges between national tennis federations also shape allocations. Critics argue that repeated wildcards take opportunities from higher-ranked players, but there is no limit on the number a Grand Slam champion can receive, and directors generally leave the decision about when to stop competing to Williams herself.