Two-time US Open singles champion Williams has not qualified for a Grand Slam by ranking since Wimbledon 2021, which is also where she recorded her most recent singles win at a major.
Williams was a doubles quarter-finalist at last year’s US Open, but the first round defeat by Kenin was her 19th loss in 20 singles matches. The only bright spot has been a win over Peyton Stearns in Washington in July 2025.
And yet this year alone tournament directors in New Zealand, Australia, Spain, Germany and Canada – as well as the United States – have wanted Williams at their events.
Eight of the 128 spots in a Grand Slam singles draw are assigned to wildcards, and usually between four and eight at WTA and ATP events depending on the size of the field.
“The way we looked at Venus is that her legacy is phenomenal,” Hale told BBC Sport.
“She’s done so much for the sport and is really popular here in Toronto and our markets specifically – so we thought it was really good to announce it early that we have a Williams sister coming.
“Venus played opening day. She kicked off our tournament, so it added a lot of value.”
One sporting event which has reduced the opportunity for past champions to return is golf’s Open Championship.
Twenty years ago, any champions under 65 could play whenever they wished. Now, winners only get the chance to return until they are 55, which could open up the odd place in the field to younger, more highly ranked professionals.
Golfers can be competitive for much longer, but there are no 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 aged 47.
Williams now turns her attention to the women’s doubles, where she will play alongside her sister Serena.
And she was non-committal when asked whether she has thought about her future in the sport.
“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.”
