Many tennis fans urge tournaments to stop giving Venus Williams wildcards after her latest defeat

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Venus Williams should not be given wildcards anymore according to some tennis fans.

Williams lost in the first round of the ATX Open in both singles and doubles, and is still yet to win a match in 2026.

Following another defeat for the 45-year-old, we asked The Tennis Gazette readers on Facebook if they thought it was time to stop giving Williams wildcards.

We received a huge response to this question, with many of you believing that it is time to stop rewarding Williams.

The Tennis Gazette readers call for Venus Williams to stop getting wildcards

“Yeah… there are so many up and coming players that deserve a chance to make some money and a name for themselves,” one tennis fan said. “Venus already made a fortune playing.”

This was a common theme of the many responses we received, with it seeming that there is a strong belief Williams is taking the place of a younger player who could have a golden opportunity.

Another said, “Yes she’s taking the place of a qualified player who should be in the tournament. She had her time.”

One other of our Facebook followers added, “I agree, her spot should be going to a young player, it is okay for doubles but not singles as much as I really like Venus.”

“I’ve been saying that. She’s taking a wildcard that should have gone to up and coming player that didn’t quite make the cut.”

“She’s taking spots from up and coming players that deserve them.”

“Probably… give the kids that chance.”

“It’s hard to disagree!! I’m one of her largest fans, but is she taking a spot from someone who deserves to be there?”

Serena Williams would finish 2026 ranked — in the world if she came out of retirement

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Some tennis fans suggested that Venus should hang up her singles rackets and focus on doubles instead, and maybe even go into coaching to really help an up-and-coming player.

“I love Venus, I really do. She was always my favorite but I have to agree. If she were at least getting out of the first round I would say maybe but she’s not. Maybe she should stick to playing doubles.”

“I hate speaking against Venus as I love the person she is but I think it’s time to let it go. If she wants to stay involved in tennis, she could perhaps coach one of these upcoming players and make them a slam champion to add to her magnificent legacy. It hurts to see her never getting past round one and perhaps taking a spot from someone who truly needs it.”

While there were many calling for Williams to stop receiving wildcards, there were also lots of you on the other side of the debate.

Some of these arguments came from a business standpoint in terms of the crowds Williams brings, and others claimed that she should receive indefinite wildcards due to her legendary career.

You can continue joining the growing debate on our TalkingPoints poll, and tell us which side of the argument you side on.

When did Venus Williams last play a singles tournament without a wildcard?

Williams has now received wildcards for her last 22 singles tournaments, with the 2021 French Open the last time she did not require one.

In these 22 appearances where she received a wildcard, Williams has won just five matches.

This includes Williams losing her last seven singles matches, with her most recent win coming at the Washington Open last year, where she beat Peyton Stearns.

While there is a growing debate about the number of wildcards she has received, Williams is undoubtedly a tennis legend and deserves enormous respect to be still competing at 45 years old, 22 years after making her debut in 1994.

The wildcards do not appear to be stopping anytime soon anyway, as Williams has been given entry into Indian Wells next week in both singles and doubles.