🔗 Share this article

Seven-time Grand Slam title holder Venus Williams has been granted a wild-card entry for the first Grand Slam of the year, commencing on the 18th of January in Melbourne.

A Landmark Return to the Australian Courts

Tournament officials confirmed on Friday that the forty-five-year-old legend will make a return at Melbourne Park a remarkable 28 years after her debut. During 1998, she defeated her younger sister Serena in the early stage before bowing out in the last eight to fellow American Lindsay Davenport.

Gearing Up for the Summer Swing

The tennis star had previously revealed in November her plans to play in Auckland, New Zealand, where she also received a wild card, a fortnight before the Melbourne event. The Australian Open noted that Williams is also entered to play a tournament in Australia's Hobart International a week later, just before the action begins at the main venue.

Her most recent visit in Melbourne was in the year 2021, and she has been a finalist in the singles competition on two occasions, falling short against Serena in the championship matches of 2003 and 2017.

"I am thrilled to return in Australia and eagerly anticipating competing during the Australian summer," Williams said. "I have experienced so many unforgettable moments there, and I’m thankful for the chance to go back to a place that has meant so much to my career."

By the Numbers

Williams' overall record at Melbourne Park stands at an notable 54 wins and 21 defeats. This year will mark the twenty-second occasion she has competed in the primary tournament field.

Establishing a Fresh Benchmark

The tournament indicated that Williams is poised to be the oldest woman to compete in an Australian Open main draw, eclipsing the record formerly set by Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was forty-four when she was defeated in the opening round at Melbourne Park in 2015.

Recent Personal Milestone

In the final days of December, Williams wed Danish-born model and actor Andrea Preti in Palm Beach, Florida.