🔗 Share this article

A seven-time Grand Slam singles champion Venus Williams has been granted a wild-card entry for the Australian Open, which kicks off on the 18th of January in the city of Melbourne.

Historic Comeback to Melbourne Park

The event organizers confirmed on the weekend that the 45-year-old legend will grace the courts again at Melbourne Park a remarkable 28 years after her debut. During 1998, she overcame her sibling Serena in the second round before exiting in the last eight to fellow American Lindsay Davenport.

Gearing Up for the Summer Swing

The tennis star had previously revealed in the month of November her plans to compete in New Zealand's Auckland Classic, where she also received a wild card, a fortnight before the Melbourne event. Organizers noted that Williams is also entered to play a tournament in Hobart, Australia a week later, immediately prior to the start of play at Melbourne Park.

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

"I’m excited to be back in Australia and looking forward to playing during the summer season," Williams said. "I have experienced so many unforgettable moments there, and I’m thankful for the opportunity to go back to a venue that has been so significant to my professional journey."

By the Numbers

Williams' overall record at Melbourne Park stands at an impressive 54 victories and 21 defeats. This year will represent the twenty-second occasion she has appeared in the main draw.

Establishing a New Record

The tournament pointed out that Williams is poised to be the oldest woman to take part in an Australian Open singles competition, eclipsing the record formerly set by Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was 44 when she lost in the opening round at Melbourne Park in 2015.

Latest Life Event

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