Venus Williams is a busy woman. In addition to reviving her tennis career and being newly married, she has been tapped to co-chair the 2026 MET Gala.
Williams becomes the fourth tennis player to fulfill the role with her three predecessors being her sister Serena in 2019, Naomi Osaka in 2021, and Roger Federer in 2023.
What We Know About The 2026 MET Gala
The 2026 MET Gala will happen on May 4.
This year’s theme will be “Costume Art.”
In addition to Venus, the other co-chairs are Beyonce, Nicole Kidman, and Vogue’s Anna Wintour.
At the 2026 #MetGala, the @MetMuseum will celebrate its spring Met Costume Institute exhibition, titled “Costume Art.” Set to host the fête? Major forces from the worlds of entertainment, sport, and, of course, fashion. @Beyonce, Nicole Kidman, and @VenusWilliams will serve as… pic.twitter.com/Svx61K0eUu
— Vogue Magazine (@voguemagazine) December 10, 2025
Venus Williams Will Be Interesting To Watch In 2026
Venus has admitted to feeling as healthy as she has in years so that is what is prompting her to return to the game she loves.
What her tennis schedule looks like will be intriguing.
We only know that she has committed to Auckland in January, but a reasonable assumption would be an Australian Open wildcard bid if all goes well.
Venus Williams kept her cards close to her chest when asked if she plans to compete in the 2026 Australian Open next month 🤭
Williams is set to compete at the Auckland 250 at the top of the year. pic.twitter.com/nNXFydgSJf
— Christian’s Court (@christianscourt) December 4, 2025
Will she play all three disciplines as she did in 2025? She played doubles with Hailey Baptiste and Leylah Fernandez last summer, and Venus played mixed doubles with Reilly Opelka. With rumors of a potential Serena return later in 2026, could the Williams sisters reunite and play doubles next summer?
She may not be the player she once was, but at 45, she still has the talent and shotmaking ability.
What is setting her apart at this juncture in her career is her love of the game, her smile, and the pure joy she brings to the court because she is filled with gratitude for an opportunity to play.
Years of health issues with the autoimmune disease Sjogren syndrome as well as painful fibroids took a toll on her.
Better days have arrived for her, and it will be a treat to see Venus in action both on the tennis court and at the 2026 MET Gala.
