The Legendary Williams, 45, Awarded Special Entry for Her Initial Melbourne Major in Five Years.
Seven-time Grand Slam singles champion Venus Williams has been granted a wild-card entry for the Australian Open, commencing on January 18 in the city of Melbourne.
A Landmark Comeback to Melbourne Park
Tournament officials confirmed on the weekend that the 45-year-old legend will make a return at the tournament venue a staggering 28 years after her debut. During 1998, she defeated her sibling Serena in the second round before exiting in the quarter-finals to fellow American Lindsay Davenport.
Gearing Up for the Summer Swing
Venus had previously revealed in the month of November her plans to compete in New Zealand's Auckland Classic, where she also received a wild card, two weeks prior to the Australian Open. Organizers noted that Williams is also entered to play a tournament in Australia's Hobart International a following week, just before the action begins at Melbourne Park.
Her last appearance in the city was in 2021, and she has been a finalist in the women’s singles on two occasions, falling short against Serena in the finals of 2003 and 2017.
"I’m excited to return in the country and eagerly anticipating playing during the Australian summer," Williams stated. "I’ve had so many incredible memories there, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to go back to a place that has meant so much to my professional journey."
Statistical Highlights
Williams' overall record at the Australian Open stands at an notable 54 wins and 21 defeats. The upcoming edition will mark the twenty-second occasion she has appeared in the main draw.
Establishing a Fresh Benchmark
Officials indicated that Williams is poised to be the oldest woman to take part in an Open's main draw, surpassing the mark previously held by Japanese Kimiko Date, who was forty-four when she lost in the opening round at the venue in 2015.
Latest Life Event
In late December, Williams wed Denmark-born model and actor Andrea Preti in Florida's Palm Beach.
