“No limits for excellence”: Venus Williams set to inspire again at US Open

As the second-oldest wildcard recipient in Grand Slam history, she will compete in the main draw a remarkable 28 years after her US Open debut, where she stunned the tennis world by reaching the final as a 17-year-old.

But her return to the tour has not been simply to make up the numbers; she’s staged a notable comeback.

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As the oldest player in the recent Washington DC event, she defeated world No.35 Peyton Stearns – a player nearly half her age—before falling to Magdalena Frech in the second round. In Cincinnati, she pushed another top-50 opponent, Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, to the limit in two tightly-contested sets.

“I’m still the same player; I’m a big hitter,” she explained in Washington DC. “There are no limits for excellence, it’s all about what’s in your head and how much you are able to put into it.

“If you put in the work mentally, physically and emotionally – you can get the result.”

Keeping her cards close to her chest on how much tennis she has left, she is proving she still has the drive to compete and inspire.

“My personal goals are to have fun right now and enjoy the moment,” she explained. “I want to win – but more than anything I just want to get the best out of myself and if I can do that then I’ll be fine.”

Her recent results are proof that confidence isn’t lacking, and there may still be more chapters left in the Williams story.

“Until next time D.C,” she posted to Instagram.

In parallel with her US Open wildcard this week, Williams’ iconic status was honoured in a different way – she was celebrated as part of Barbie’s “Inspiring Women” series, with her own collectible doll.

The tribute recognises not only her achievements on court, but her trailblazing presence and advocacy off it.

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