Venus Williams shines in Cincinnati and gears up for the 2025 US Open with wildcard

Venus Williams, a global tennis icon, is back on the courts at the Cincinnati Open 2025, held from August 7 to 18 in Mason, Ohio. At 45, the former world No. 1 and four-time Olympic champion received a wildcard to compete in the WTA 1000 tournament, a key step in her preparation for the US Open, where she is confirmed for the mixed doubles event alongside Reilly Opelka. After a triumphant return at the Mubadala Citi DC Open in Washington, where she won matches in both singles and doubles, Williams faces Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro in the first round on August 7 at Centre Court. She is chasing her 50th career singles title on American soil, drawing attention as she makes an inspiring comeback after over a year sidelined by injuries.

The tennis legend, with seven Grand Slam singles titles and 14 in women’s doubles, showcases resilience in her career. Her participation in Cincinnati marks a milestone in her comeback journey, especially after physical challenges, including treatment for uterine fibroids and a knee injury from Wimbledon 2023. The event, held at the Lindner Family Tennis Center, is a critical warm-up for the US Open, starting August 24.

Watching Venus Williams at @CincyTennis. 45 years old and still got it! 🎾 pic.twitter.com/AbuaYxUMea

— Alex Meacham (@Alex_Meacham) August 7, 2025

• Key highlights of Venus Williams’ comeback:
• Return after 16 months, with a win in Washington.
• Wildcard for the Cincinnati Open, her tenth appearance in the tournament.
• Preparation for the US Open, focusing on mixed doubles and a possible singles wildcard.
• Faces Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, a rising Spanish talent, in the opener.

Venus Williams and her history in Cincinnati

Venus Williams has competed in the Cincinnati Open nine times, with notable runs to the semifinals in 2012 and quarterfinals in 2019. In 2023, she defeated Veronika Kudermetova in the first round but fell to Zheng Qinwen in the second. Now, in 2025, ranked No. 571, Williams returns with the experience and charisma that make her a fan favorite. Her debut against Bouzas Maneiro, scheduled as the third match on Centre Court, is expected to draw significant attention, with live broadcasts on Tennis Channel in the U.S. and Sky Sports in European countries.

Her opponent, 22-year-old Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, is a rising star who reached the Canadian Open quarterfinals in 2025 and defeated a top-10 player at Roland Garros this year. The matchup will test Williams, who is seeking match rhythm and confidence ahead of the US Open.

Preparation for the US Open and mixed doubles event

Venus Williams’ participation in the Cincinnati Open is strategic. The tournament serves as a gauge for her physical and mental form before the US Open, where she will compete in the revamped mixed doubles event on August 19 and 20. Paired with Reilly Opelka, a 6’11” American known for his powerful serve, Williams aims for a first-ever mixed doubles Grand Slam final, having won the event at the 1998 Australian Open and Roland Garros with Justin Gimelstob.

• Details of the US Open 2025 mixed doubles event:
• Format: 16 teams, with eight direct entries by combined ranking and eight wildcards.
• Prize money: $1 million for the winning pair.
• Matches on main stadiums, including Arthur Ashe and Louis Armstrong.
• Best-of-three sets, with a 10-point tiebreak replacing the third set.

The revamped mixed doubles event aims to attract top players, and Williams is among the confirmed stars, alongside pairs like Jannik Sinner and Emma Navarro, and Iga Swiatek and Casper Ruud. Her presence, with her story of perseverance, adds a special shine to the tournament.

Venus Williams’ inspiring comeback

Venus Williams’ return to professional tennis is a story of determination. After over a year away due to injuries and personal commitments, she competed at the Mubadala Citi DC Open in July 2025, defeating Peyton Stearns 6-3, 6-4, becoming the second-oldest woman to win a WTA-level match, behind only Martina Navratilova. In doubles, with Hailey Baptiste, she reached the quarterfinals, proving she can still compete at a high level.

Williams faced significant challenges in recent years. A knee injury at Wimbledon 2023 sidelined her, and in 2024, she declined a wildcard for Indian Wells due to personal commitments. Her 2025 return, however, was marked by emotional moments, like announcing her engagement during the DC Open, delighting fans.

• Recent milestones in Venus’ career:
• Washington win, her first singles victory since Cincinnati 2023.
• Engagement announced in a post-match interview, captivating fans.
• Confirmed US Open participation, with a potential singles wildcard.
• 49 career singles titles, chasing a 50th on American soil.

Venus’ impact at the Cincinnati Open

Venus Williams’ presence elevates the Cincinnati Open, which features a star-studded field, including world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and No. 2 Coco Gauff. The tournament, expanded to 96 players in singles and 32 in doubles for 2025, is the third-largest in the U.S., behind only the US Open and Miami Open. Williams’ wildcard, alongside local player Caty McNally, boosts the event’s local appeal, drawing thousands to the Lindner Family Tennis Center.

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The tournament also showcases young talent. Cincinnati native Caty McNally, 23, received a wildcard and comes off a WTA 125 Hall of Fame Open title. Her presence, alongside Williams, creates a narrative of contrasting generations, with the veteran inspiring the next wave of American tennis.

How to watch Venus Williams live

The 2025 Cincinnati Open will be broadcast live in the U.S. on Tennis Channel, with full coverage on its app. In Europe, Sky Sports holds broadcast rights in countries like the UK, Germany, and Italy. Venus’ match against Bouzas Maneiro, set for August 7, is expected to start around 2:20 PM ET, following the Markéta Vondroušová vs. Jaqueline Cristian match.

• Channels and platforms to watch the Cincinnati Open:
• Tennis Channel (U.S.): full tournament coverage.
• Tennis Channel App: live streaming of all matches.
• Sky Sports (Europe): broadcasts in select countries.
• Tournament website: real-time updates and ticket information.

Fans attending in person can purchase tickets via StubHub, with high demand for Williams’ matches due to her popularity and legacy in the sport.

The Cincinnati Open’s significance in the WTA circuit

The Cincinnati Open, held since 1899, is the oldest U.S. tennis tournament still played in its original city. With a $5.15 million prize pool and 1,000 WTA ranking points for the champion, it is a premier hard-court event. The 2025 edition, with an expanded format, promises high-level matchups, and Venus Williams’ participation adds historical and emotional weight.

The tournament is a critical test for players heading to the US Open. For Williams, each match is a chance to prove she can still compete with the world’s best at 45. Her experience and fan support make the Cincinnati Open an ideal stage for her comeback.

Expectations for Venus’ future

Venus Williams’ 2025 journey is filled with anticipation. Beyond her confirmed mixed doubles appearance at the US Open, there is speculation about a potential singles wildcard, with a decision expected by August 11. Her Cincinnati performance will be key to assessing her Flushing Meadows prospects, where she won singles titles in 2000 and 2001.

Williams has made it clear she isn’t retiring soon. In a recent interview, she said, “Never count me out,” signaling more surprises may lie ahead. With 49 singles titles and four Olympic gold medals, Venus continues to inspire, showing that age and injuries are no barriers for those passionate about the game.

• Possible scenarios for Venus at the US Open:
• Mixed doubles with Reilly Opelka, chasing an elusive title.
• Potential singles wildcard, based on Cincinnati performance.
• Inspiration for young players like Caty McNally and Emma Navarro.
• Continued career in 2026, focusing on U.S. tournaments.

Venus Williams’ return to the 2025 Cincinnati Open is more than a tournament appearance. It’s a celebration of a legendary career marked by historic achievements and unwavering determination. As she faces Jessica Bouzas Maneiro in the opener, the tennis world will be watching the Queen City, eager for the next chapter of her inspiring journey.