Venus Williams receives wild card to play in U.S. Open

Venus Williams was awarded a wild card Wednesday to compete in her 23rd U.S. Open, the United States Tennis Association announced.

Williams, 41, is a two-time winner at Flushing Meadows (2000, 2001) and has competed in the event every year since 2006. Her WTA ranking is No. 112, which is outside the top 104 who receive direct entry into the tournament.

CoCo Vandeweghe, who currently is ranked No. 160, also was one of th