NEW YORK (AP) — Venus Williams will compete in women’s doubles at the U.S. Open after receiving a wild-card entry with 2021 singles runner-up Leylah Fernandez on Tuesday.

The 45-year-old Williams is appearing at her first Grand Slam tournament in two years after making a comeback to pro tennis last month following 16 months away from the tour.

She competed in mixed doubles last week, then in singles on Monday night — both also via wild-card invitations from the U.S. Tennis Association.

Williams exited in the first round each time, but was thrilled to be back out on court after dealing with injuries and illness. She had surgery for uterine fibroids last year, and spoke Monday following her three-set exit in singles against 11th-seeded Karolina Muchova about being relieved to be pain-

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