Venus Williams is currently at the centre of a heated debate at the moment, with growing concerns over continued participation in events through wildcards.
After all, the legendary American has used this method to gain entry into all recent tournaments she has played, unsurprisingly not holding a ranking given how sparse her schedule is.
However, given the fact that she has yet to win a single match in 2026, frustration is growing in certain parts of the tennis world.
Whilst some suggest that she is taking spots away from the stars of the future, Rennae Stubbs has leapt to her defence, taking to X to shut down one vocal critic.
Rennae Stubbs argues against claim that Venus Williams shouldn’t get awarded wildcards
The initial argument had come after reports had emerged revealing that Venus Williams had actually turned down a wildcard in Rome due to alternative commitments.
She is due to co-host the Met Gala whilst that tournament is running.
Will Venus Williams ever win another singles match?
That's 10 defeats in a row…
However, this spurred one X user to write: “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, a six-time doubles major champion herself, could not have disagreed more.
She replied: “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.”
Venus Williams is set to play doubles with Katie Boulter in Madrid this week.
Why Venus Williams deserves her wildcards
Whilst there has been plenty of debate about whether Venus is deserving of her wildcards, some, like Stubbs, would argue that this should not even be questioned.
After all, given what the 45-year-old has contributed to the sport, she is owed anything that the sport can in turn give back to her.
It’s the end of the 2026 season… How many matches has Venus Williams won this year? Where is she ranked? Let us know in the comments👇
She is not taking places away from promising youngsters, but instead guaranteeing a full stadium, even if it is only for one match.
The fanfare when she played in Washington, Cincinnati and the US Open has proven this.
Venus has not lost her star power, and with seven Grand Slam singles titles as well as a myriad of other elite honours, she deserves to be celebrated. The fact that she remains competitive at all on the WTA Tour at the age of 45 is hugely impressive.
