Venus Williams is not done playing yet. The 45-year-old has been confirmed as a wildcard entry at the WTA 250 ATX Open in Austin, Texas, which starts on February 23. This would be Williams’ fourth tournament this season.
Before making a first-round exit at the first Grand Slam of the year, the Australian Open, the former World No. 1 played in the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand, and the Hobart International, losing in the opening rounds of both tournaments.
Now, the American legend is set to play her first event on home soil, with the official announcement coming via the Austin Open’s Instagram on Wednesday. They wrote:
“AUSTIN…You. Won’t. Believe. This. 🤯 Venus Williams is coming to the ATX Open later this month, and we are beyond excited to welcome one of the greatest champions in women’s tennis to Austin… A global icon. A trailblazer. A legend. Austin, get ready! ✨”
This will be Williams’ first appearance at this tournament, which has been an annual part of the WTA calendar since 2023. The seven-time Grand Slam winner will be joined by fellow Americans Jessica Pegula and teenage sensation Iva Jovic, who had incredible runs at the Australian Open in January.
“I’m so excited to be heading to Austin and playing my first ATX Open. The city has such great energy, and I’ve heard the fans are incredible,” Williams said in a statement after confirming her participation in the ATX Open.
Venus Williams Will be Eyeing Her First Win of 2026 in Austin, TX
Williams is 0-3 in 2026. She has exited all three tournaments this year, including the Australian Open, in the first round. She didn’t do well in the doubles discipline either, as the American was knocked out of the women’s doubles in the opening round in Melbourne.
Williams gave a hard time to her first-round opponent, Olga Danilovic, at the Australian Open. She pushed the Serb to her limits after taking the opening set in a tiebreak. However, Williams soon lost the momentum and allowed Danilovic to settle in, thereby losing the following two sets.
Irrespective of the disappointing start to 2026, the 45-year-old will be aiming to capture her first win on home soil, as she prepares to headline the ATX Open in Austin, TX, as a wildcard entrant.
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