Venus Williams has received a wildcard for the US Open despite a long run of singles defeats and a ranking of 611, reigniting debate over whether past champions should continue to receive places in major events. Supporters argue that her status as a five-time Wimbledon champion and influential figure in women’s tennis brings significant public, media and commercial value to tournaments.

The 46-year-old has been given 12 wildcards this season, including for events in New Zealand, Australia, Spain, Germany, Canada and the United States, and will play Sofia Kenin in the US Open first round. She has lost 18 of her past 19 singles matches, although she pushed Karolina Muchova and Olga Danilovic to three sets in recent Grand Slam appearances; Grand Slam champions face no limit on wildcard invitations, unlike some sports that restrict former champions’ exemptions.