Venus Williams to become oldest singles player at US Open in 44 years after getting wildcard for Grand Slam at Flushing Meadows

Venus Williams will continue her tennis comeback at the US Open, after accepting a wildcard into the women's singles at Flushing Meadows. The seven-time Grand Slam champion had already confirmed she will be playing in the revamped mixed doubles in New York City alongside Reilly Opelka. Williams will be the oldest singles player since Renee Richards in 1981.

Venus Williams will become the oldest tennis player to compete in the singles competition of a major tournament since 1981 when she takes a wildcard at the US Open.

The 45-year-old - who is a two-time champion at Flushing Meadows - returned to the sport in July after 16 months away.

She beat fellow American Peyton Stearns on her comeback in the first round of the Washington Open, before losing in round two against Magdalena French.

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As well as playing in the singles in New York, the world No. 577 will team up with Reilly Opelka in the mixed doubles.

Williams’ latest preparations for Flushing Meadows ended in a first-round defeat at the Cincinnati Open. She was beaten 6-4 6-4 by Spanish player Jessica Bouzas Maneiro.

Speaking after the defeat, Williams said: "Coming off of this match, I feel amazing.

Venus Williams becomes the oldest player to win a WTA tour-level singles match since 2004

Video credit: SNTV

"So that means that in this next period [ahead of the US Open] I won't have to fix injuries.

"Now I can work on power and speed instead of trying to just make sure I'm not hurt going into the tournament."

Williams will be the oldest player at the tournament since Renee Richards, who was 47 years old when she played at the US Open in 1981.

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