Venus Williams to Make US Open Mixed Doubles Debut

Venus Williams, age 45, will compete in the US Open's newly redesigned mixed doubles tournament for the first time, partnering with Reilly Opelka as a wild-card entry. The event, set for August 19-20, will feature 16 teams, including several Grand Slam champions and top-10 singles players, all vying for a $1 million prize. Williams' appearance fills the last gap in her Grand Slam mixed doubles record, as she has previously won at the Australian and French Opens and reached the Wimbledon final. Her return comes after a recent comeback at the DC Open following a lengthy hiatus. The revamped format has drawn both top talent and criticism from some former champions who consider it more of an exhibition. Williams may also seek a singles wild card, with announcements on those entries expected soon.