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, which kicks off on January 18 in the city of Melbourne.
A Landmark Return to Melbourne Park
Tournament officials announced on the weekend that the 45-year-old legend will make a return at Melbourne Park a staggering 28 years after her debut. During 1998, she overcame her younger sister Serena in the second round before exiting in the last eight to compatriot Lindsay Davenport.
Gearing Up for the Australian Summer
Venus had previously revealed in the month of November her plans to compete in Auckland, New Zealand, where she was likewise awarded a special entry, two weeks before the Melbourne event. Organizers noted that Williams is scheduled to play a tournament in Australia's Hobart International a week later, just before the start of play at Melbourne Park.
Her most recent visit in the city 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 the country and looking forward to playing during the Australian summer," Venus said. "I’ve had so many incredible moments there, and I’m thankful for the opportunity to return to a place that has been so significant to my professional journey."
Statistical Highlights
Williams' overall record at Melbourne Park stands at an notable 54 victories and 21 losses. This year will mark the twenty-second occasion she has competed in the primary tournament field.
Establishing a Fresh Benchmark
The tournament pointed out that Williams is set to become the oldest woman to take part in an Open's singles competition, eclipsing the mark previously held by Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was 44 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 actor and model Andrea Preti in Florida's Palm Beach.
