Legendary Williams sisters get US Open wild card

Serena and Venus Williams are set to reunite in the US Open women’s doubles after receiving a wild card from tournament organisers on Wednesday.

The sisters, two of the most recognisable names in tennis history, have won the US Open doubles title twice -- in 1999 and 2009. They have played the tournament’s doubles event nine times, most recently in 2022.

Tap here to add The Daily Star as a trusted source

Serena, 44, returned to competitive tennis in June after stepping away from the sport following the 2022 US Open. She recently teamed up with Carlos Alcaraz in the mixed doubles at this year’s US Open, firing down a 120 mph (193.1 kph) ace to ​gasps from the crowd at Arthur Ashe Stadium, but their run ended in the quarterfinals on Tuesday.

Serena has competed in four events so far this year and recently played doubles with her sister at August's Cincinnati Open.

The younger Williams sister is widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players ever. She won 23 Grand Slam singles titles and 14 Grand Slam doubles titles alongside Venus.

Venus, 46, has seven Grand Slam singles titles, including two US Open crowns. She reached the women's doubles quarterfinals last year with Canadian partner Leylah Fernandez.

Together, the sisters have been one of the most successful doubles partnerships in tennis, combining power, athleticism and an unmistakable competitive edge.

The women's doubles first round begins at Flushing Meadows on September 3.