“End This Madness — It’s So Embarrassing!” — Fans Erupt in Fury as Venus Williams Receives Controversial US Open Special Treatment Despite a 14-Match Losing Streak, Igniting a Fierce Debate Across Tennis
Venus Williams, the two-time US Open singles champion, is in the first batch of players who were awarded a wildcard for the 2026 women’s main draw on Tuesday. Of the eight, seven spots have been filled; one remains vacant, leaving room for Serena Williams’ return to the same venue where people thought she had her last dance.
For the first time since 2023, the World No. 564 has an opportunity to dazzle in Flushing Meadows in the singles event, a discipline she has recently found hard to crack. She will be bidding to snap her 14-match losing streak in her 26th US Open main draw at the age of 46.
During her harrowing run, Venus Williams has been heavily scrutinised for her inconsistency and lack of sharpness to compete at the top level. After the announcement of the first batch of wildcards, fans didn’t mince their words while criticising the decision. While questioning the “madness”, fans felt handing Williams wildcard entries has turned into embarrassment, as a user wrote on X:
“This is getting ridiculous. 17th straight loss on the way???? Free money to fade her.”
“End this madness it’s so embarrassing for her to keep getting WCs and then losing in the round of 128 to some 137 ranked player,” a user stated.
“Love Venus, but this is ridiculous. Let’s be honest she’s gonna get s**t on 6-2 6-1. I understand she sells tickets, but it’s unfair to the more deserving players,” a user remarked.
“Unpopular take: This is a waste of a wildcard that could give a rare opportunity to a young player,” a user noted.
“Another dance?? You mean Another Chance! Taking a wildcard from someone else who may deserve it is ridiculous at her age,” another user added.
Venus Williams opens up about playing with sister Serena again
In the buildup to the US Open, Venus Williams recently reunited with her sister Serena on the court for the first time in four years. At the ongoing Cincinnati Open, the Williams sisters squared off against Marta Kostyuk and Peyton Stearns in the first round.
The duo got completely outplayed in the first set, but rallied back to restore parity in the second. As the stadium reverberated with the chants of “Let’s go Serena” and “Let’s go Venus”, the duo came close to pulling off a stunning comeback. They upped the ante but succumbed to a 6-2, 1-6, 10-8 loss.
“We’ve waited a long time to get back on the doubles court. Eventually, we find our way to each other. We give each other so much grace and encouragement. This is our first time playing together in forever, and I think we’re really getting [into] our stride,” Venus Williams said in a news conference.
It remains to be seen if Venus and Serena will extend their reunion in the doubles event at the US Open
