Venus Williams, at the age of 45, will be one of the oldest competitors in the U.S. Open in recent times.
In the world of tennis, age is just a number for some remarkable players. This year, Venus Williams is set to make history at the U.S. Open, competing as the oldest singles player in more than four decades.
The U.S. Open has seen its fair share of champions well into their 30s and 40s. In the Open Era, the oldest female winner was Serena Williams, who clinched the title at the ripe age of 35 in 2014. Venus, with her recent return to the court after a 16-month break, is hoping to surpass this record.
Venus won her first U.S. Open title back in 2000, at just 20 years old. Fast forward 21 years, and she's gearing up for her 25th time competing for the singles championship title. This time, however, she's doing it as the oldest player, a testament to her enduring passion and talent for the sport.
Despite her age, Venus was extended a wild card invitation to the U.S. Open, bypassing the need to achieve a qualifying rank to enter. She's already made waves this season, becoming the oldest player to win a WTA singles match since 2004, defeating Peyton Stearns in the DC Open in July.
Venus isn't just focusing on the singles competition. She'll also be partnering with fellow American Reilly Opelka in the mixed doubles tournament. Opelka, at 27 years old, brings youthful energy to the partnership.
Serena Williams, too, has made a name for herself as an ageless tennis star. In 2017, at 35 years old, she clinched her 23rd Grand Slam singles title, making her the oldest female player to achieve this feat.
The Open Era, which began in 1968, has also seen Ken Rosewall as the oldest male winner of the U.S. Open at 35 years old in 1970. Before the Open Era, the record for the oldest male player to secure a singles win was held by 38-year-old William Larned.
Molla Bjurstedt Mallory, a Norwegian-American player, holds the record for the oldest female winner in the singles division, having won in 1926 at the impressive age of 42.
As the U.S. Open approaches, all eyes will be on Venus Williams as she attempts to make history once again. With her undying spirit and unwavering determination, there's no doubt that she'll give a formidable performance.
[1] The Open Era began in 1968. [3] The Open Era records are widely recognised in tennis history. [5] As of the latest records, Venus Williams has not won the U.S. Open singles title at an age older than Serena Williams' record of 35 years old.
[1] In the world of ESG investments, age is not a determining factor for success, as demonstrated by indexes that consider factors beyond a company's age.
[3] Just as Venus Williams in tennis, many companies in an ESG index have proven that they can perform well, even when they are well into their '30s' or '40s' (metaphorical years).
[5] In the world of credit ratings, Venus Williams' accomplishments pale in comparison to companies that have maintained their 'A' or 'AAA' ratings even after facing critical situations at an 'age' older than her current record.
