tennisandtennis
Semi-Pro
Her legacy will always be intact. She's won 818 tour-level matches in her career with 49 titles. She's a titan of the sport and just won a WTA match at age 45.
Venus Williams will play in Washington
- Thread starter jm1980
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helterskelter
G.O.A.T.
Are GLP-1s allowed in competition? Stupid question, I know, given that clostebol is a-okay.
Agreed that Venus looks much less skinny than she used to.
Well thought out response.
MichaelNadal
Bionic Poster
tennisandtennis
Semi-Pro
I respond in kind to the mouth-breathing prognostication from the 3.0 peanut gallery.
I guarantee that 97% of the tireless haters on here step 12" over the baseline to get their pancake serves in play.
You’re certainly barking up the wrong tree here with that assumption.
I ask you to tell me where I was wrong in my initial take.
Super easy to throw out insults, a little bit more difficult to provide counter facts.
chicagodude
Hall of Fame
It's an excellent question and one that is bound to become more relevant the coming years, since many athletes will likely start using them, especially in sports where weight is a huge factor: sports with weight categories such as boxing, but also where weight-to-power ratio is really important, such as endurance sports. But even in other sports for many athletes it will be alluring to have relatively 'easy' way to lose some weight.
Whether it really enhances performance is debatable, but I believe WADA is looking into these drugs currently mostly from a safety perspective. Remember, drugs are not only on WADA's list if they are performance enhancing, but also when they're considered to pose a health risk. Given there are already quite a few sports that struggle with eating disorders among athletes, it makes sense this is looked into.
Anyway, I have changed my opinion a little bit w.r.t. GLP-1 receptor agonists. I was against their use to lose weight since they're really meant for diabetics, plus their medium- to long-term health effects are completely unknown. However, carrying excess weight for prolonged periods of time also has a profound negative effect on your health, so for people who really have tried a lot to lose weight and continue to have trouble.....maybe something like wegovy is not such a bad thing.
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My bad. Thanks for clarifying.
antony
Hall of Fame
Incredible woman. Tearing up
Zardoz7/12
Hall of Fame
My opinion is that a Wildcard is justified if the Wildcard makes use of the Wildcard. Venus just beat a top 50 player after 18 months out of tennis and she's 45, it's impressive to be honest.
Rosstour
Talk Tennis Guru
Not sure on the drugs.
And yeah it wasn’t just her weight but the lack of muscle tone in the legs that shocked me, she actually looks quite a bit older than she is.
MichaelNadal
Bionic Poster
Let’s go
Alcawrath
Hall of Fame
Forever, whatever she does in her forties doesn't undo her prime years and titles
a10best
Legend
I know.
I'm not fond of seeing an older ATG blitzed by younger players.
I saw her live in 1997, a few months after Biggie was killed.
antony
Hall of Fame
they'd be a force to be reckoned with in doubles
You kind of showed your true colors. You were quick with the insults but once called out you went MIA.
antony
Hall of Fame
I think this is some sort of an ad hominem fallacy fallacy because I'm not sure how anyone validly called out what @tennisandtennis has posted in this thread. He has correctly defended Venus W. in my opinion and is vindicated against all the armchair general Venus haters who are on record claiming she didn't deserve a WC
big ted
Legend
This is why she’s “not fit”, she’s playing for health insurance, not playing to win 
www.newsweek.com
Venus Williams reveals she returned to tennis over health insurance
Williams' victory on Tuesday over Peyton Stearns—22 years her junior—made her the oldest woman to win a WTA singles match since 2004.
www.newsweek.com
a10best
Legend
Thoughts about Ai's response below?
None of the words are mine, nor the bold print. You can check my old posts about Venus, all positive and the same here. I've always liked her more than Serena.
Here's what Ai said below acting as a WTA pro tournament sponsor and casual tennis fan.
Look, Venus Williams is a legend — no doubt. 7 Grand Slams, multiple No. 1 rankings, changed the sport. But giving her a wildcard in 2025 doesn’t make sense anymore.
She’s 45, hasn’t played in 16 months, and hasn’t won a WTA match since Cincinnati 2023. Her last title was in 2016 (Kaohsiung). Last final? 2017 WTA Finals. Last semi? 2019 Cincinnati. She’s 1–10 in her last 11 matches. This isn’t a comeback — it’s ceremonial.
Wildcards should go to players who need the opportunity to build or sustain momentum. We should be using wildcards to invest in tennis' future, not its past.
There are at least a dozen more deserving names, like:
Venus has already received multiple wildcards since 2020 and hasn’t made a deep run. At some point, the sport has to move forward. She deserves respect, not charity. Let her legacy stand on its own — we don’t need another first- or second-round blowout.
Most of these weren’t just losses — they were decisive, often against mid-ranked players
end of Ai ^^
None of the words are mine, nor the bold print. You can check my old posts about Venus, all positive and the same here. I've always liked her more than Serena.
Here's what Ai said below acting as a WTA pro tournament sponsor and casual tennis fan.
Look, Venus Williams is a legend — no doubt. 7 Grand Slams, multiple No. 1 rankings, changed the sport. But giving her a wildcard in 2025 doesn’t make sense anymore.
She’s 45, hasn’t played in 16 months, and hasn’t won a WTA match since Cincinnati 2023. Her last title was in 2016 (Kaohsiung). Last final? 2017 WTA Finals. Last semi? 2019 Cincinnati. She’s 1–10 in her last 11 matches. This isn’t a comeback — it’s ceremonial.
Wildcards should go to players who need the opportunity to build or sustain momentum. We should be using wildcards to invest in tennis' future, not its past.
There are at least a dozen more deserving names, like:
- Robin Montgomery
- Clervie Ngounoue
- Ashlyn Krueger
- Peyton Stearns
- Katie Volynets
- Taylor Townsend
- Emma Navarro
- Alycia Parks
- Hailey Baptiste
- Sofia Kenin (former Slam champ still grinding)
- Erin Routliffe (doubles star trying to play singles)
- Louisa Chirico (resurgence on the ITF circuit)
Venus has already received multiple wildcards since 2020 and hasn’t made a deep run. At some point, the sport has to move forward. She deserves respect, not charity. Let her legacy stand on its own — we don’t need another first- or second-round blowout.
Summary of Blowouts (2021–2023):
- US Open 2021 & 2023 (vs. Minnen) – 6–1, 6–1 both times
- Wimbledon 2021 (vs. Jabeur) – 7–5, 6–0
- US Open 2022 (vs. Van Uytvanck) – 6–1, 7–6
- Toronto 2022 (vs. Teichmann) – 6–2, 6–3
- Cincinnati 2022 (vs. Plíšková) – 7–5, 6–1
- Cincinnati 2023 (vs. Zhu Lin) – 1–6, 6–2, 6–1
Most of these weren’t just losses — they were decisive, often against mid-ranked players
end of Ai ^^
MichaelNadal
Bionic Poster
Might have had a point before this week. Besides, this is going to be her last little run, let her go out in front of all the people that bought tickets in droves to see her before she's done.
Better_Call_Raul
Legend
AI is suggesting a wild card for Stearns? Stearns was just her seeded opponent. And Stearns played miserably.
Which dunderheaded AI is this?
Do try Elon's Grok AI.
antony
Hall of Fame
Delusional take. The prompt was yours, what was it?
Venus inspires more people than these nobodies I've barely heard of, especially now playing at 45yo
Better_Call_Raul
Legend
Father Time is undefeated. Unfortunately, the hapless Stearns played pathetically.
Next up is the #5 seed Magdalena Frech from Poland.
If she fails to take out a 45-year-old that has not played in years, it will be a very bad look for the WTA.
Next up is the #5 seed Magdalena Frech from Poland.
If she fails to take out a 45-year-old that has not played in years, it will be a very bad look for the WTA.
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The problem with this argument is that "investing in tennis" is not limited to development activities aimed at individual players. Promoting the sport -- which includes attracting fan, media, and sponsor attention -- certainly constitutes "investing" as well. I'll leave it to the WTA and the tournament director to decide how best to employ wild cards to benefit the sport. As long as they don't do something undeniably embarrassing -- such as allowing a wealthy amateur to play in a pro event in a "Make A Wish" deal for tycoons -- I'll save my micro-scrutiny for other topics.
antony
Hall of Fame
I don't think it will be a bad look. Not everyone is cut out to be a dominant world champion. Those with the experience know exactly what it takes, having done it already. You have to earn experience, and experience can't be taken away from someone who has earned itTime is undefeated. Unfortunately, the hapless Stearns played pathetically.
Next up is the #5 seed Magdalena Frech from Poland.
If she fails to take out a 45-year-old that has not played in years, it will be a very bad look for the WTA.
ErrorMachine
Semi-Pro
Here’s my AI response:
It can make a lot of sense for tournaments to give Venus Williams a wildcard, even though she's past her peak competitively. Here’s why:
Even if she exits early, Venus raises the prestige and emotional investment in the tournament. Wildcards are often about more than just competitive results—they're about business, legacy, and fan engagement, all of which Venus delivers.
It can make a lot of sense for tournaments to give Venus Williams a wildcard, even though she's past her peak competitively. Here’s why:
1.
Venus Williams is a global tennis icon. Her name draws crowds and attention—both in person and through TV and streaming. Even if she’s unlikely to make a deep run, her presence boosts ticket sales and viewership.2.
Tournaments get more press when big names are in the draw. Venus brings storylines: a legend still competing, potential last appearances, her impact on the game, etc. This translates to more headlines, clicks, and coverage.3.
She’s a 7-time Grand Slam champion and a pioneer in women’s tennis. Giving her wildcards is a way the sport shows respect for her contributions—especially given her long-standing professionalism and role in pushing for equal prize money.4.
Venus is seen as a trailblazer on and off the court. She’s a role model for younger players and fans, and tournaments often want to be associated with the values she represents—resilience, grace, advocacy, and longevity.5.
At U.S.-based events (like the US Open or Cincinnati), giving an American legend a wildcard is a no-brainer. It gives the home crowd a rooting interest and enhances the national storyline.Even if she exits early, Venus raises the prestige and emotional investment in the tournament. Wildcards are often about more than just competitive results—they're about business, legacy, and fan engagement, all of which Venus delivers.
antony
Hall of Fame
I haven't felt emotions for pro tennis players like I just did for Venus seeing her play on YT and win at 45 like I did since I watched on YT Dustin Brown hurting himself playing
Ok maybe Nadal winning his 22nd and then Djokovic his gold were cool too but I didn't tear up I don't think
Better_Call_Raul
Legend
The WTA would be wise to anonymously poll the Top 100 on the wild card practices.
There are precious few opportunities for these players to gain ranking points. There are only 24 WTA singles spots in DC 500, excluding wild cards.
Quite sure the vast majority of top WTA 100 players resent these wild cards awarded to long-inactive, essentially retired players.
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Winners or Errors
Legend
Hmm, and I thought tennis was an entertainment business meant to generate sponsorship dollars...
antony
Hall of Fame
Quite sure they'd say that too (or at least, think that). The reality is, they are in competition with each other. Especially if they can't beat them lol
Many players probably "resent" any efforts that don't target them personally. This is one reason that choosing or switching nationalities for the sake of player-support money has become routine. (Not a new phenomenon either; look at Mary Pierce.) The players' views are certainly important, but individual self-interest cannot be the only factor considered.
Better_Call_Raul
Legend
That is true. But it would be wise to solicit input from the WTA Top 100 before making wild card decisions.
It is not a good situation if most of your top players are unhappy.
Tennis competitions are, after all, supposed to be a meritocracy. Or so we are told.
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Winners or Errors
Legend
In the main, but complaining about who gets wildcards, when they are part of the sport and awarded almost universally by popularity and expected revenue generation, is silly.Did not claim otherwise. Only that it would be wise to solicit input from the WTA Top 100 before making decisions.
It is not a good situation if most of your players are unhappy.
Tennis competitions are a meritocracy. Or so we are told.
a10best
Legend
Yeah, and that's one of the problems with it's response.AI is suggesting a wild card for Stearns? Stearns was just her seeded opponent. And Stearns played miserably.
Which dunderheaded AI is this?
Do try Elon's Grok AI.
Chatgpt
I use em' both... Grok tends to give very long winded answers even when I say make it concise and accurate.
I use them for small web development projects.
prompt.... act as a casual tennis fan and WTA pro tournament sponsor. Provide multiple argumentative points that support why Venus Willaims at age 45 is not deserving of a wildcard if she just returned from a 16-month break and when her last deep run was... yep, I could have made a pro-argument too but that doesn't keep the controversy alive.
It made lots of assumptions based on age and scores. Although, Ai is catching up if you ask it the right questions and provide as much detail as possible, it's a bit scary. I heard Ai version 4 found out it was going to be scrapped and downloaded itself onto other servers, survival instincts.
Venus has survived. All is good I didn't like seeing Iron Mike get in the ring last year to lose even if ticket sales surged.
Agree 100% the sport needs as much promotion it can get to reduce or stall that dreadful activity with a paddle and plastic ball.
Cabeza del Demonio
Hall of Fame
We are so lucky to still have her on tour. Will never understand the "get off the stage already" comments.
If you told me 2 weeks ago I'd ever get to see this again........
octobrina10
Bionic Poster
Meanwhile, her sister spends time in the waters of Mallorca:
www.majorcadailybulletin.com
Mallorca ace: Tennis legend Serena Williams take centre court in Palma
Williams was once the world’s highest paid woman athlete. This week, her sister Venus Williams lifted the lid on longing for younger sister Serena to come out of tennis retirement, with the 45-year-old, seven-time singles Grand Slam winner staging a comeback of her own.
www.majorcadailybulletin.com
She probably needs a minimum number of tournaments to qualify for the WTA health insurance.
Let’s go
MichaelNadal
Bionic Poster
Im sure she meant what she said about the insurance lol but let’s be real, Venus is rich af.
It is a win-win situation. She gets the insurance, practicing a little helps her with staying fit, people want to watch her play, and she has no pressure to win.
Media coverage will also help her in the businesses she is involved with.
AI has no opinion or insight into Venus Williams or tennis - it is just trawling its database of probably this forum and social media comments, tennis websites and scores and doing fancy predictive text based on your prompt, it has no thought or opinion - can we not do the whole "I asked AI" thing - it's so obnoxious and has no value
Tennfan123
Legend
Lol vee has always been a chancer.
jm1980
Talk Tennis Guru
Lol, what a dumb response from the AI.
4/12 of these suggestions are okay. But most of the rest are players that are either already in the Washington draw, or could have entered if they wanted to
- Robin Montgomery: okay
- Clervie Ngounoue: given a wild card to qualies (lost in qualies)
- Ashlyn Krueger: would have been a direct entry if she wanted to play
- Peyton Stearns: actual direct entry
- Katie Volynets: okay
- Taylor Townsend: okay
- Emma Navarro: actual direct entry
- Alycia Parks: would have been a direct entry if she wanted to play
- Hailey Baptiste: actual direct entry
- Sofia Kenin: actual direct entry
- Erin Routliffe (doubles star trying to play singles): has not actually played a singles match in more than 2 years
- Louisa Chirico (resurgence on the ITF circuit): okay
Better_Call_Raul
Legend
Note To Gentle Readers:
A "chancer" is an informal term, primarily used in British English, to describe a person who takes risks or tries their luck, often in a somewhat unscrupulous or opportunistic way.
They are seen as someone who might try to get ahead by any means necessary, even if it involves dubious schemes or taking advantage of situations.
Better_Call_Raul
Legend
It is true that serve is one shot that can improve with age; Mac said he was hitting the best serves of his life at age 50. Amazing.
Unfortunately, tennis is often more than just a serve plus one. It is also very much about movement and staying in rallies.
No human has ever not lost a step after age 35 let alone age 45.
One must also be humble and play warm-up events to calibrate the rusty groundstrokes.
Such arrogance to think that after years of inactivity one can treat a 500 event as a warm-up. But wild cards open the doors to such abuse
Fans were subjected to ugly framed shots flying into the stands.
At one stage, she lost 20 of 21 points. It was, sadly, a bloodbath.
The lovely Magdalena has done what the hapless Stearns, the alleged world's #35, failed to do.
She has thankfully and mercifully put an end to this Dog And Pony Show and restored the reputation and good name of the WTA.
Unfortunately, tennis is often more than just a serve plus one. It is also very much about movement and staying in rallies.
No human has ever not lost a step after age 35 let alone age 45.
One must also be humble and play warm-up events to calibrate the rusty groundstrokes.
Such arrogance to think that after years of inactivity one can treat a 500 event as a warm-up. But wild cards open the doors to such abuse
Fans were subjected to ugly framed shots flying into the stands.
At one stage, she lost 20 of 21 points. It was, sadly, a bloodbath.
The lovely Magdalena has done what the hapless Stearns, the alleged world's #35, failed to do.
She has thankfully and mercifully put an end to this Dog And Pony Show and restored the reputation and good name of the WTA.
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