The Legendary Williams, 45, Receives Wild Card for Her Initial Australian Open in Five Years.
A seven-time Grand Slam title holder Venus Williams has been granted a wild-card entry for the Australian Open, which kicks off on January 18 in Melbourne.
Historic Return to Melbourne Park
Tournament officials confirmed on the weekend that the 45-year-old icon will make a return at Melbourne Park a remarkable 28 years after her first appearance. During 1998, she defeated her sibling Serena in the early stage before bowing out in the quarter-finals to compatriot Lindsay Davenport.
Preparing for the Summer Swing
The tennis star had earlier stated in the month of November her intention to compete in Auckland, New Zealand, where she also received a wild card, a fortnight prior to the Melbourne event. The Australian Open added that Williams is scheduled to play a tournament in Australia's Hobart International a following week, immediately prior to the action begins at the main venue.
Her most recent visit in the city was in 2021, and she has been a finalist in the singles competition on two occasions, falling short against Serena in the finals of 2003 and 2017.
"I am thrilled to return in the country and eagerly anticipating competing during the Australian summer," Venus stated. "I have experienced so many incredible moments there, and Iām grateful for the opportunity to return to a place that has been so significant to my professional journey."
Statistical Highlights
Williams' career statistics at Melbourne Park stands at an impressive 54 wins and 21 defeats. This year will mark the twenty-second occasion she has appeared in the primary tournament field.
Establishing a New Record
Officials indicated that Williams is poised to be the most senior female player to compete in an Open's singles competition, surpassing the record previously held by Japanese Kimiko Date, who was forty-four when she was defeated in the first round at the venue in 2015.
Latest Personal Milestone
In the final days of December, Williams married Denmark-born model and actor Andrea Preti in Palm Beach, Florida.
