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.