US Open: Venus Williams to compete in women's doubles with 2021 finalist

Venus Williams is far from being done in the ongoing US Open 2025. She will be playing the women’s doubles competition after receiving a wildcard entry from the tournament. Venus will be competing with 2021 finalist Leylah Fernandez.

The 45-year-old made a valiant return to tennis after a 16-month hiatus on Tuesday, August 26. She took on 11th seed Karolina Muchova, where she lost in a 3-set battle 3-6, 6-2, 1-6.

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The Arthur Ashe Stadium stood up at the end of the match and showered Venus with a standing ovation as Venus walked out of the court. The support at the Arthur Ashe on Tuesday stressed Muchova out. She had to battle her nerves despite being in much better physical condition than Venus, who returned after a lengthy absence following surgery for uterine fibroids.

“I was stressed. You guys make me stressed. No, it was an unbelievable atmosphere. I mean she’s such a legend of our sport. It’s so nice to share the court with her. I’m just glad that I was lucky to win today,” Muchova admitted in the on-court interview.

Venus will be competing against the 6th-seeded pair of Lyudmyla Kichenok and Ellen Perez. The match is set to take place on August 28. Venus and Leylah, North American stars, are expected to get heavy support on Thursday.

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Venus Williams is the owner of 14 major titles in women's doubles, all with her sister Serena. She has won the US Open with Serena twice, in 1999 and 2009.

Williams hadn't played an official match anywhere since the Miami Open in March 2024 until she surprisingly accepted a wildcard to the hard-court tournament in Washington last month. She entered the singles and doubles events there, winning one match in each bracket.

This US Open is her first major tournament since she played at Flushing Meadows in 2023.