Two-time US Open singles champion Venus Williams has not managed to qualify for a Grand Slam based on her ranking since Wimbledon in 2021, which also marks her most recent singles victory at a major tournament.

While Williams reached the doubles quarter-finals at last year's US Open, her recent singles campaign saw a first-round defeat by Kenin, extending her losing streak to 19 losses in her last 20 singles matches. The single highlight in this period was a victory over Peyton Stearns in Washington during July 2025.

Despite her recent singles results, tournament directors from New Zealand, Australia, Spain, Germany, Canada, and the United States have extended invitations to Williams for their events this year, highlighting her enduring appeal.

Grand Slam singles tournaments typically reserve eight of the 128 available spots for wildcard entries. Similarly, WTA and ATP events allocate between four and eight wildcard spots, depending on the overall size of the player field.

"Our perspective on Venus was that her legacy is simply phenomenal," Hale shared with BBC Sport.

"She has contributed immensely to the sport and is incredibly popular, especially here in Toronto and in our specific markets. Therefore, we felt it was beneficial to announce early that a Williams sister would be participating."

"Venus was scheduled for the opening day. She initiated our tournament, which significantly enhanced its value."

In contrast, golf's Open Championship has introduced changes that limit opportunities for past champions to return.

Twenty years ago, any champion under the age of 65 could participate at their leisure. Now, winners are only guaranteed a chance to return until they reach 55, a rule that may create openings for younger, higher-ranked professionals in the field.

While golfers can maintain competitiveness for extended periods, tennis does not impose similar age restrictions. Martina Navratilova, for instance, received wildcards for both the 2004 French Open and Wimbledon – and even won a match on grass – when she made a comeback at the age of 47.

Williams is now shifting her focus to the women's doubles, where she will be partnering with her sister, Serena.

When questioned about her future in the sport, she remained non-committal.

"I don't believe I need to," she stated.

"My entire concentration is on the doubles. So, I will fully recover from this exceptionally demanding evening and prepare for the next challenge."

Venus Williams' Singles Losing Streak Extends Amidst Late-Night Match

Explore the ongoing singles losing streak of tennis legend Venus Williams, her performance at recent tournaments, and considerations for past champions in professional sports.

Venus Williams' Singles Losing Streak Continues in Late-Night Match

Two-time US Open singles champion Venus Williams has not qualified for a Grand Slam by ranking since Wimbledon in 2021, which is also where she achieved her most recent singles victory at a major tournament.

Williams was a doubles quarter-finalist at last year's US Open, but the first-round defeat by Kenin marked her 19th loss in her last 20 singles matches. The only positive outcome has been a win over Peyton Stearns in Washington in July 2025.

Despite this, tournament directors in New Zealand, Australia, Spain, Germany, Canada, and the United States have invited Williams to participate in their events this year alone.

Eight of the 128 spots in a Grand Slam singles draw are allocated as wildcards, and typically between four and eight are given at WTA and ATP events, depending on the size of the field.

"The way we viewed Venus is that her legacy is phenomenal," Hale told BBC Sport.

"She has contributed so much to the sport and is genuinely popular here in Toronto and in our specific markets – so we felt it was very positive to announce early that a Williams sister was coming."

"Venus played on opening day. She kicked off our tournament, so it added significant value."

One sporting event that has reduced the opportunity for past champions to make a return is golf's Open Championship.

Twenty years ago, any champions under 65 could play whenever they wished. Now, winners only have the chance to return until they reach 55, which could open up some spots in the field to younger, more highly-ranked professionals.

Golfers can remain competitive for much longer, but there are no such limits in tennis. Martina Navratilova was given a wildcard for both the 2004 French Open and Wimbledon – and won a round on the grass – when she made a comeback at the age of 47.

Williams is now turning her attention to the women's doubles, where she will team up with her sister Serena.

When asked if she has considered her future in the sport, she was non-committal.

"I don't think I should have to," she said.

"I mean, my mind is fully focused on that (the doubles). So I'm going to recover from this completely insane evening and get ready for the next one."