The Legendary Williams, 45, Receives Special Entry for Her Initial Melbourne Major in Five Years.
A seven-time Grand Slam singles champion Venus Williams has secured a wild-card entry for the Australian Open, commencing on January 18 in Melbourne.
Historic Return to Melbourne Park
Tournament officials confirmed on Friday that the forty-five-year-old icon will make a return at Melbourne Park a remarkable 28 years after her first appearance. Back in 1998, she defeated her sibling Serena in the early stage before exiting in the quarter-finals to compatriot Lindsay Davenport.
Preparing for the Summer Swing
Venus had earlier stated in the month of November her plans to play in New Zealand's Auckland Classic, where she also received a wild card, two weeks before the Melbourne event. Organizers noted that Williams is also entered to play a tournament in Australia's Hobart International a following week, immediately prior to the action begins at the main venue.
Her last appearance in Melbourne was in the year 2021, and she has finished runner-up in the women’s singles on two occasions, losing to Serena in the championship matches of 2003 as well as 2017.
"I’m excited to be back in Australia and eagerly anticipating playing during the summer season," Venus said. "I have experienced so many unforgettable memories there, and I’m grateful for the chance to go back to a venue that has been so significant to my professional journey."
By the Numbers
Williams' career statistics at Melbourne Park stands at an notable 54 wins and 21 defeats. This year will mark the twenty-second occasion she has appeared in the main draw.
Setting a New Record
The tournament indicated that Williams is set to become the oldest woman to take part in an Australian Open main draw, eclipsing the record formerly set by Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was 44 when she lost in the first round at Melbourne Park in 2015.
Recent Personal Milestone
In late December, Williams wed Denmark-born actor and model Andrea Preti in Palm Beach, Florida.
