US Open: Why Venus Keeps Getting Wildcards –Stubbs
Retold by Oddsrama · 27 August 2026
Venus Williams continues to receive wildcards at major tournaments, and former Serena Williams coach Rennae Stubbs has revealed the real reason why: she remains a box-office draw. Speaking on her podcast, Stubbs explained that tournament organizers recognize the commercial value Venus brings to any event, with her presence alone capable of filling seats and driving ticket revenue in a way few other players can match.
Stubbs made it clear that Venus's legend status transcends her current ranking or form. She believes the tennis icon should be permitted to retire on her own terms, while tournaments themselves should decide whether her pulling power justifies a wildcard spot. Rather than outsiders dictating when Venus should step away, Stubbs argues the decision belongs entirely to Venus and to the tournaments that benefit from her star appeal.
What stands out to Stubbs is Venus's unwavering dedication to the sport. Having trained alongside her recently, the analyst was struck by the passion she brings to practice sessions—spending nearly three hours working on her game, far removed from the notion that she's simply turning up to play without putting in real effort. Stubbs believes fans should appreciate Williams while she's still competing, suggesting her time in professional tennis may not extend much longer.
For betting purposes, Venus's continued presence at majors through wildcards adds an interesting layer to tournament markets. Her unpredictable form mixed with her pedigree means odds on her matches often reflect wider public interest rather than pure statistical expectation. When she enters a draw, monitor early rounds carefully—sentiment and crowd support can influence performance in ways that traditional metrics don't fully capture.
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