The Legendary Williams, Awarded Wild Card for Her Initial Melbourne Major in Five Years.
Seven-time Grand Slam singles champion Venus Williams has secured a special invitation for the Australian Open, which kicks off on the 18th of January in Melbourne.
Historic Comeback to Melbourne Park
The event organizers confirmed on Friday that the forty-five-year-old legend will grace the courts again at Melbourne Park a remarkable 28 years after her debut. Back in 1998, she defeated her younger sister Serena in the second round before bowing out in the quarter-finals to fellow American Lindsay Davenport.
Preparing for the Summer Swing
The tennis star had earlier stated in November her plans to play in New Zealand's Auckland Classic, where she also received a wild card, a fortnight prior to the Australian Open. Organizers added that Williams is also entered to participate in Hobart, Australia a following week, immediately prior to the action begins at Melbourne Park.
Her most recent visit in Melbourne was in 2021, and she has finished runner-up in the women’s singles on two occasions, falling short against Serena in the finals of 2003 and 2017.
"I am thrilled to be back in Australia and looking forward to playing during the summer season," Williams said. "I have experienced so many incredible moments there, and I’m thankful for the chance to return to a venue that has been so significant to my career."
By the Numbers
Williams' overall record at the Australian Open stands at an impressive 54 wins and 21 losses. This year will represent the 22nd time she has appeared in the primary tournament field.
Setting a Fresh Benchmark
The tournament indicated that Williams is set to become the oldest woman to take part in an Australian Open singles competition, surpassing the mark previously held by Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was 44 when she was defeated in the first 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 Florida's Palm Beach.
