Venus Williams Just Got Her 12th Wildcard Of The Season — And The Internet Is DIVIDED Over Whether She Deserves It 🎾

Stop scrolling, because the Venus Williams wildcard debate just hit a whole new level — and honestly? We have THOUGHTS.

The 46-year-old tennis icon has been handed her 12th wildcard of the season to compete at the US Open, according to the BBC. Yes, you read that right. Twelve.

The only problem? Venus hasn't won a singles match since July 2025. That's over a year ago, and her last 14 matches have ALL ended in defeat.

The Numbers Are... Rough

Let's talk facts. Venus is currently ranked 611th in the world and completely reliant on wildcards to even get into tournaments.

She's lost 18 of her last 19 singles matches, the BBC reports. The only bright spot was a single win over Peyton Stearns in Washington last July — and that's it.

Her recent US Open appearances have been competitive (she pushed 11th seed Karolina Muchova to three sets last year), but let's be real: she's not winning these matches.

So why do tournament directors keep giving her wildcards?

"A Generational Icon"

Karl Hale, the tournament director who gave Venus a wildcard for the Toronto WTA 1000 event this month, didn't hold back in defending the decision.

"I think it's good for tennis to have these generational icons," Hale told BBC Sport. "That they are still allocating wildcards for them says something to their intrinsic value to the tournaments."

Translation: Venus sells tickets.

Hale said the media interest was "significant" when they announced Venus was playing, and she kicked off their tournament on opening day. "It added a lot of value," he explained.

The Tea ☕

Venus has received 11 wildcards already this season from tournaments in New Zealand, Australia, Spain, Germany, Canada, and the US
She's ranked 611th in the world and hasn't won a singles match in over a year
Tournament directors say she still draws crowds and brings commercial value despite the losses
The USTA has now given her a 12th wildcard to play at the US Open, where she'll face fellow Grand Slam champion Sofia Kenin in round one

But Should There Be A Limit?

Here's where it gets spicy. There's no official limit to how many wildcards a Grand Slam champion can receive — but some people think there should be.

The argument goes: shouldn't those spots go to younger, higher-ranked players who are actually trying to build their careers?

Golf's Open Championship recently tightened its rules — past champions used to be able to play until age 65, but now they're cut off at 55. Should tennis follow suit?

Hale doesn't think so. "When the time comes that Venus is not competitive in sets, then I think she will make that call," he said. "Venus and Serena have done so much for women's tennis and the sport that they should be able to play as long as they want."

The Legend Factor

Let's not forget: this is VENUS WILLIAMS we're talking about. Five Wimbledon singles titles. Two US Open crowns. Seven Grand Slam singles championships total. A trailblazer who — along with sister Serena — transformed tennis.

British number one Katie Boulter partnered with Venus in doubles earlier this year and was starstruck. "Venus has given so much to our sport that she deserves to get what she needs back," Boulter said. "We have to be grateful that she is still out there."

Even Hale believes Venus can still compete. "She's still competitive, but just not winning these matches," he noted. Her first set against Kamilla Rakhimova in Toronto was tight before she lost 6-4, 6-1.

And Then It Got Worse

The wildcard drama doesn't stop with Venus. Three-time Grand Slam champion Stan Wawrinka, 41, was also given a late wildcard for what's expected to be his US Open farewell tour.

Martina Navratilova received wildcards to play the 2004 French Open AND Wimbledon at age 47 — and actually WON a round on grass.

So is this about respecting legends... or taking spots from the next generation?

The internet is SPLIT. Some fans think Venus has earned the right to play as long as she wants. Others argue that 14 straight losses is 14 too many, and it's time to pass the torch.

Sources:

BBC Sport: 'A generational icon' - why wildcards abound for Venus Williams

Venus Williams: legend who's earned infinite wildcards, or time to let the next generation shine? Sound off below! 👇