Venus Williams has been granted a wild card entry into the main draw of the Cincinnati Open, the tournament announced on Wednesday, marking another milestone in the 45-year-old American’s remarkable return to professional tennis.
Williams, a seven-time Grand Slam singles champion, made history at the Washington Open on Tuesday by becoming the oldest player to win a WTA singles match since 2004. She defeated world number 35 Peyton Stearns after returning to the court following a 16-month hiatus.
The veteran star is set to face Poland’s fifth seed, Magdalena Frech, in the next round of the Washington tournament on Wednesday. Earlier this year, Williams had declined a wild card invitation to the Indian Wells tournament.
Alongside Williams, the Cincinnati Open also awarded a wild card to local player Caty McNally, who recently returned to competition after elbow surgery last year.
The Cincinnati Open main draw is scheduled to begin on August 7.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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