Williams sisters, Wawrinka receive US Open wild cards

Tennis legends Venus and Serena Williams, competing as a doubles pair, along with Swiss player Stan Wawrinka, have been granted last-minute wild card entries into the 2026 US Open. The United States Tennis Association (USTA) announced the special invitations on Wednesday, just days before the Grand Slam tournament begins on Sunday.

The Williams sisters earned their spot in the women's doubles draw following Serena Williams' recent return to the court. She and Spanish partner Carlos Alcaraz competed in mixed doubles at the US Open, winning their first match before being eliminated in the quarterfinals. Venus Williams had previously received a wild card for the women's singles, a tournament Serena will not participate in.

The sisters, who have won 14 Grand Slam women's doubles titles together, including two US Opens, are scheduled to play their first doubles match on September 3 or 4. This marks their return to playing together in New York since 2022. Serena, a 23-time Grand Slam singles champion, returned to the circuit this summer at age 44 after a four-year hiatus, while Venus, a seven-time Grand Slam singles champion, returned in July 2025 at age 46.

Stan Wawrinka, who is in the final season of his professional career, received a wild card for singles play. The former world number three and three-time Grand Slam champion, including the 2016 US Open, was granted entry following the withdrawal of American Patrick Kypson due to injury. Wawrinka, 41, expressed his excitement to play in New York again, noting the invitation came shortly after he posted a farewell message to the US Open on social media.

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I am very excited to accept the wild card for the US Open 2026 and I am looking forward to playing again in front of the fans in New York.