Tennis world in frenzy over Venus and Serena Williams development

Venus Williams has sent tennis fans into a frenzy after accepting a wildcard to play at the Canadian Open in the lead-up to the US Open next month.

The 42-year-old hasn't played singles in nearly 12 months but made a surprise appearance in the mixed doubles with Jamie Murray at Wimbledon this month.

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Speculation has been rife that Venus is on the verge of retirement, but Canadian Open officials announced on Wednesday that the seven-time grand slam champion will return to singles action in Toronto.

The American star will compete in Toronto for the first time since 2019 and return to WTA Tour singles play for the first time since August last year.

Venus hasn't played a singles match since she lost to Hsieh Su-Wei in the first round at the Chicago Women's Open nearly 12 months ago.

She returned from a leg injury to partner Murray in the mixed doubles at Wimbledon earlier this month, reaching the second round.

The news that Venus will make her return to singles in Canada comes after organisers announced last week that sister Serena will also play the WTA 1000 event in Toronto.

Serena made her singles return at Wimbledon after a 12-month absence from the tour following an injury she suffered at the All England Club in 2021.

After a first-round loss to Harmony Tan she said she wasn't sure what her future schedule looked like.

However she has since been confirmed to play at the Canadian Open, as well as the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati - two hard-court events that serve as key lead-up tournaments for the US Open.

It will be the first time since 2015 that Serena will play both events - a clear sign that she'll be playing at the US Open at the end of August.

Fans were left rapt to hear that both Venus and Serena will be playing in Canada - and potentially the US Open.

Serena and Venus Williams nearing retirement?

Speaking about her hopes of playing at the US Open, Serena said at Wimbledon: “When you’re at home, especially in New York, and the US Open, that being the first place I’ve won a grand slam, is something that’s always super special.

“There’s definitely lots of motivation to get better and to play at home.”

Venus had not been expected to play at Wimbledon this year, with the 42-year-old announcing via Instagram earlier in 2021 that she was not planning on competing at the All England club.

But she sent the tennis world into a frenzy when she was spotted at the grass-court grand slam, before announcing that she'd accepted a last-minute wildcard to play the mixed doubles.

With Serena and Venus both ramping up their preparations for a tilt at the US Open, some have speculated that they could both retire at their home grand slam.

Serena is still one grand slam title away from equalling Margaret Court's all-time women's record of 24.

However she hasn't won a major since claiming her 23rd at the Australian Open in 2017 while pregnant with her daughter Alexis Olympia, beating Venus in the final.

Since then she's played in four grand slam finals but finished runner-up in every one.

As for Venus, the older Williams sister hasn't won a grand slam singles title since winning the last of her five Wimbledon crowns in 2008.

Together the Williams sisters have won 14 grand slam doubles titles together and could be eyeing a team-up at Flushing Meadows.

with agencies

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