Rennae Stubbs pushes back against Venus Williams wildcard criticism

Photo by Fiona Goodall/Getty Images

Venus Williams is under the microscope once again, as questions about her use of wildcards to enter tournaments continue to swirl.

With her playing schedule so limited, Williams no longer holds a ranking. Every recent event she’s entered has been through a wildcard.

And after another tough season without a win in 2026, there are parts of the tennis world starting to question whether those wildcards could be better used by younger players looking to make their mark.

While some argue that she’s taking away opportunities from emerging talent, Rennae Stubbs has stepped in to defend Venus, responding directly to one critic on X (formerly Twitter).

Rennae Stubbs pushes back on Venus Williams wildcard criticism

Photo by DAVID GRAY / AFP via Getty Images

Venus Williams has found herself at the centre of another debate over wildcard use, this time after reports that she declined a spot in Rome to co-host the Met Gala.

One social media user didn’t hold back, posting: “Imagine being an upcoming player and losing a wildcard opportunity that could literally change your life and ignite your career because a retired player treats professional tennis as if it was a country club or an exho instead of a serious competitive sport people make livings out of.”

Stubbs, who has six major doubles titles to her name, fired back with:

“100% disagree. She’s earned the right to play whenever she wants, wherever she is asked and given that opportunity. Younger players can play smaller events and earn their way on the tour IF they are good enough. If you think one chance is making or breaking a player, you don’t get the tour.”

This week, Williams is set to play doubles alongside Katie Boulter in Madrid.

Venus Williams wildcard debate: why she still has a place on tour

Despite the ongoing debate about whether Venus Williams should continue receiving wildcards, many in the sport, including Rennae Stubbs, believe there’s no real argument against it.

“She’s earned the right to play whenever she wants,” Stubbs wrote on X. “Younger players can play smaller events and earn their way on the tour if they are good enough. If you think one chance is making or breaking a player, you don’t get the tour.”

The seven-time Grand Slam champion may not be racking up wins anymore, but her influence hasn’t faded. The crowds that turned out to watch her in Washington, Cincinnati and New York last year are proof of that.

Even at 45, Venus is still able to compete with some of the best players in the world. That alone is worth recognising.

Read more:

• Elena Rybakina admits Madrid Open conditions already ‘challenging’ before first match
• Aryna Sabalenka reacts to first clay win of the year after beating Peyton Stearns in Madrid
• Andy Murray suggests why Hearts winning the Scottish Premiership would be good despite supporting Hibernian