Former champs Stephens, Venus Williams in first batch of US Open wild cards

Former US Open champions Sloane Stephens and Venus Williams have been awarded main-draw wild cards for the 2026 US Open, as part of the first batch announced on Tuesday, August 18, 2026. Also receiving wild cards are Warsaw WTA 125 champion Carol Young Suh Lee and Vancouver WTA 125 champion Taylah Preston. Seven of the eight available wild cards in this first batch have been awarded.