🔗 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, which kicks off on the 18th of January in the city of Melbourne.

A Landmark Return to the Australian Courts

The event organizers announced on Friday that the forty-five-year-old icon will make a return at the tournament venue a remarkable 28 years after her first appearance. Back in 1998, she defeated her younger sister Serena in the second round before bowing out 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 play in Auckland, New Zealand, where she also received a special entry, two weeks prior to the Melbourne event. Organizers added that Williams is also entered to play a tournament in Hobart, Australia a following week, immediately prior to the action begins at the main venue.

Her last appearance in Melbourne was in 2021, and she has finished runner-up in the singles competition on two separate instances, losing to Serena in the championship matches of 2003 and 2017.

"I am thrilled to return in Australia and eagerly anticipating playing during the summer season," Williams said. "I have experienced so many incredible moments there, and I’m thankful for the opportunity to return to a place that has been so significant to my career."

Statistical Highlights

Williams' overall record at the Australian Open stands at an impressive 54 wins and 21 defeats. The upcoming edition will represent the twenty-second occasion she has appeared in the main draw.

Establishing a Fresh Benchmark

The tournament pointed out that Williams is poised to be the oldest woman to compete in an Open's main draw, surpassing the mark formerly set by Japanese Kimiko Date, who was 44 when she lost in the opening round at the venue in 2015.

Recent Life Event

In late December, Williams married Danish-born actor and model Andrea Preti in Palm Beach, Florida.