US Open wildcards announced: Venus Williams and Stephens lead WTA inclusions, Monfils back for one last hurrah as Wawrinka and Draper snubbed
Tennis NewsTuesday, 18 August 2026 at 18:33
The US Open wildcards have been announced with some notable inclusions. The tournament is set to take place from August 3 - September 13 with the Williams sisters the most talked about when it comes to the wildcards.
One of them is on there. Venus Williams will be making it consecutive US Open singles appearances after her first round exit last year. She reached the quarter-finals of the doubles event alongside Leylah Fernandez in 2025 and is a two-time singles champion, although she has not made the final since 2022.
Sloane Stephens is also granted with a spot in the main draw. The 2017 winner took up the other discretionary main draw spots alongside Williams and will hope to roll back the years.
One notable exclusion is Serena Williams. The 23-time Grand Slam champion has not been noted, but there is a TBD slot which could be snatched up by her if she decides to compete, similar to Wimbledon.
Williams and Stephens are, for the time being, joined by Caroll Young Suh Lee, Reese Brantmeier, Thea Frodin, Leolia Jeanjean and Taylah Preston.
WTA singles wildcards US Open 2026
| Player |
| Venus Williams |
| Sloane Stephens |
| Carol Young Suh Lee |
| Reese Brantmeier |
| Thea Frodin |
| Léolia Jeanjean |
| Taylah Preston |
| TBD |
Wawrinka and Draper snubbed
The men's also has some interesting decisions. Gael Monfils will return for the final time with Martin Damm, Michael Zheng, J.J.Wolf, Sebastian Gornzy, Jack Kennedy and Alexei Popyrin all getting free passageways through to the US Open main draw.
That is not the case for former champion Stan Wawrinka. The Swiss would have been hoping for automatic entry into the event in what will be his final time at Flushing Meadows. However, for the time being that possibility of competing is looking precarious.
Former semi-finalist Jack Draper is also not listed. He has been suffering with numerous injuries as of late, specifically his arm, and being ranked outside of the top 100, his only chance is making it through qualifying.
Similar to the women's event, there is a TBD spot up for grabs. This could be Wawrinka or Draper's route through to the main draw as the tournament prepares to commence very shortly.
ATP singles wildcards US Open 2026
| Player |
| Martin Damm |
| Michael Zheng |
| J.J. Wolf |
| Sebastian Gorzny |
| Jack Kennedy |
| Gaël Monfils |
| Alexei Popyrin |
| TBD |
Lucas MichaelTennis Journalist
Lucas Michael is a tennis journalist based in Cambridge, UK, specializing in comprehensive coverage of the ATP and WTA tours. For the past 1.5 years, he has been a core contributor to TennisUpToDate, where he has authored more than 3,000 data-driven match reports, deep-dive analysis pieces, and engaging liveblogs.
Lucas pairs real-time statistical analysis with on-the-ground reporting, frequently traveling to tournaments to cover the action firsthand from the press box and player press conferences. This blend of advanced metrics and direct access allows him to provide sharp context regarding player form, tactical trends, and breaking tour developments.
He holds a BA (Hons) in Sports Journalism. Grounded in core journalistic ethics, Lucas places a strict emphasis on meticulous sourcing, editorial accuracy, and a commitment to updating live content swiftly as verified information emerges.
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- Iga #3 and 4 slam winner ? The article is okay but check the very basic info on the players pleasedarwinobambino18-08-2026
- But pro tennis, like other sports & much of life, IS in the celebrity exemption business. Do we not look the other way when Krygios throws chairs around the court or Swiatek delays play to suit her own rhythm? Are we not right now making a BIG deal about Eala .. & making light of the fact that her fans are annoyingly boisterous. & are screwing with the timing of match play? Tourney decision-makers have been handing out wild cards to whomever they wish for a long time.. to players in their country, to former greats, to potential greats & maybe there are even 'secret' choices happening.. who knows. Yes, if I were Venus, I would be embarrassed by now.. & end it myself.. But if she wants to keep playing & directors have whatever reason they have for giving her another wild card, I'm going to watch her play with dignity & grace.. & maybe achieve a win.
tennishappens15-08-2026 - I mean... what the hell is wrong with you people (WTA) and this pathetic Williams Wildcard Wasting??? THE GIG IS UP -- LET IT GO. THIS IS A HINDRANCE TO YOUNG, DESERVING PLAYERS LOSING OPPORTUNITIES TO THE WILLIAMS SPOTLIGHT SEEKERS. Same goes for media -- STOP with the over-enthusiastic BS promoting of these two. We're laughing at you at this point... except it's no longer funny.
mandoist14-08-2026 - If you're going to copy quotes from another website, you should credit and/or link to that website. Especially if you're a 'journalist' who claims to be "grounded in core journalism ethics". Be better Lucas.JohanSchmidt14-08-2026
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- It’s amazing how this tournament just cannot catch a break this year. Issue after issue.DaveyWavey11-08-2026
- Loved this article! Huge Capriati fan since childhood and watched most of these ladies throughout their careers. It’s crazy what Hingis was able to do at such a young age especially during the Graf/Seles/Davenport/Williams Sisters era. I also (unfortunately) believe that Raducanu’s run was a weird one-off fluke… but we’ll likely never know now… Thanks for your work. Looking forward to more of your articles.DaveyWavey10-08-2026
- If psychologist Ewa Woydyllo-Osiatynska is your therapist -- perhaps another choice is in order?mandoist10-08-2026
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