The United States Tennis Association announced Wednesday that Serena and Venus Williams have received a wild card entry to compete in women’s doubles at the 2024 U.S. Open.
The sisters will make their first appearance together at the tournament since 2022, when Serena played what was widely regarded as her farewell match in Flushing Meadows. This will mark their 10th appearance in U.S. Open doubles competition, where they have won the title twice—in 1999 and 2009. Together, they have claimed 14 Grand Slam doubles titles, including Olympic gold medals in 2000, 2008, and 2012.
The first round of women’s doubles at the U.S. Open begins on September 3 at Flushing Meadows in Queens, New York.
Williams Sisters Return to Competitive Play
Serena Williams, 44 years old, returned to professional tennis this summer after a four-year absence, making her first competitive appearances at the Queen’s Club Championships in London in June. On Tuesday, she partnered with 23-year-old Carlos Alcaraz in mixed doubles at the U.S. Open, winning their opening match before being eliminated in the quarterfinals by Belinda Bencic and Flavio Cobolli.
Venus Williams, 46 years old, is also competing in the singles draw at the U.S. Open after receiving one of the tournament’s eight singles wild cards. This marks the oldest singles entry at the tournament since Renee Richards competed at age 47 in 1981, according to the International Tennis Federation.
The Williams sisters last played doubles together at the Cincinnati Open earlier this month, where they lost in the first round. Their most recent Grand Slam doubles title came at the 2009 U.S. Open.
Historical Context and Legacy
Serena Williams is widely regarded as one of the greatest women’s tennis players in history. She holds 39 Grand Slam titles, including 23 singles, 14 women’s doubles, and two mixed doubles crowns. She spent 319 weeks ranked No. 1 in the world and is one of only two women—alongside Steffi Graf—to achieve a Career Grand Slam in singles and win an Olympic gold medal.
Venus Williams, a seven-time Grand Slam singles champion, has also been a dominant force in doubles. The sisters have been ranked No. 1 in women’s doubles and share a record of 27-7 in U.S. Open doubles matches together.
Their partnership has been a defining feature of women’s tennis for over two decades, with their on-court chemistry and competitive spirit drawing global attention.
Tournament Schedule and Expectations
The U.S. Open women’s doubles draw will begin on September 3, with the Williams sisters set to face their first opponents in the opening round. While their competitive schedule remains uncertain beyond this event, their wildcard entry ensures they will compete in at least one match at the tournament.
Serena Williams has indicated that her return is driven by a desire to reconnect with the sport after stepping away from full-time competition. In an interview with NBC News following her mixed doubles match, she stated, “It felt great. I haven’t played a ton of tennis, but it still felt good to kind of get back out there and just kind of feel your groove.”
Venus Williams, meanwhile, continues to compete in both singles and doubles, maintaining her status as one of the sport’s most enduring athletes.