Controversy at the US Open: the world of tennis, divided by a legend and his 15 defeats

The numbers are extremely negative. There are fifteen consecutive defeats, So far in the 2026 season they have suffered eleven eliminations, they have only been able to win three sets out of 25 played. Since 2021 they have won 7 of 44 matches. The line is clearly descending, to levels that have ignited the debate about who really deserves an invitation to play in a tournament.

The general statistics also do not help the figure of the ‘wild card’, of the tennis players who do not have a ranking to compete in a draw, but who do so thanks to the reserved places that the organization can allocate, the number of which varies depending on the number of participants and their category.

In the Grand Slam, women’s category, in 2026, no guest has yet reached the third round, and in the US Open she only has that opportunity Leolia Jeanjean. Of 32 places distributed in the ‘big four’, 24 were consumed in the inaugural round.

Although the attention and the controversy have focused on Venus Williamswho at 46 years old is number 618 in the world. He has played his last 29 tournaments, since Wimbledon 2021, thanks to as many invitations. And there’s the performance, that most recent 0-15.

It is the house of Venus. A fan on the center court of the US Open 2026 showing her support for the eldest WilliamsFrank Franklin II / Ap-LaPresse

The defenders show their record of seven Grand Slam titles, their impact on the history of this sport. Detractors emphasize that she has had too many opportunities, that she is seen little on the circuit and that she deprives the younger players of opportunities.

The ‘wild card’ Theoretically, it serves to attract figures who did not register and then want to participate, to provide facilities for former champions who are coming from an injury or a complicated situation and also helps to present future stars who need a push.

Venus Williams, of the United States, reacts during her first round match against compatriot Sofia Kenin at the US Open tennis championships, Monday, Aug. 31, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II) — Venus Williams, fifteen losses in a row, also lost at the US Open, against Sofia KeninFrank Franklin II / Ap-LaPresse

Venus Williams is under suspicion, but not his sister Serenawhom everyone wanted to see in the US Open singles, which he rejected after his bad experience at Wimbledon. Both will compete in the double with the invitation of the USA Tennis Association (USTA), which runs the Grand Slam that it owns.

Carlos Alcaraz, of Spain, left, and Serena Williams, of the United States, talk on the court during a mixed doubles match at the US Open tennis championships, Tuesday, Aug. 25, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Yuki Iwamura) — Carlos Alcaraz and Serena Williams, an iconic image for tennisYuki Iwamura / Ap-LaPresse

Serena Williams and Carlos Alcaraz They caused a sensation as a couple in the mixed doubles, a competition that takes place before the singles at the US Open, within the so-called ‘Fan Week’.

Serena Williams, left, and Venus Williams, right, both of the United States, wave to the crowd at the end of a women's doubles match against Marta Kostyuk, of Ukraine, and Peyton Stearns, also of the United States, at the Cincinnati Open tennis tournament, Monday, Aug. 17, 2026, in Mason, Ohio. (AP Photo/Kareem Elgazzar) — Serena Williams and Venus Williams will compete in the US Open women’s doublesKareem Elgazzar / Ap-LaPresse

In fact, US Open, Australian Open and Roland Garros They have a wild card exchange program in their respective fiefdoms. Which Wimbledon does not accept. They make sure they can choose one of their tennis players in Grand Slams that they do not control. The same thing happens in the men’s category.

Stan Wawrinka, of Switzerland, center, poses after he lost his match to Matteo Berrettini, of Italy, during the first round of the US Open tennis championships Monday, Aug. 31, 2026, in New York. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger) — Stan Wawrinka, honored at the US Open after his loss to Matteo BerrettiniAdam Hunger / Ap-LaPresse

In this US Open the paradox occurred that the Swiss Stan Wawrinkaformer US Open champion, did not receive the requested invitation to say goodbye to the New York fans. A carom in the form of injury to one of the eight wild card players allowed him to return to the city and play his last Grand Slam match, at 41 years old.

A delicate issue between the extent to which history continues to grant privileges, although tournaments never hesitate to welcome someone who ensures more fans are present in the stands.

Although this rule was not followed excessively with Venus Williamswho faced another guest, a former Grand Slam champion also from the United States, Sofia Keninat dawn, when many people had already left the facility.