The Legendary Williams, Receives Wild Card for First Melbourne Major in Five Years.
Seven-time Grand Slam title holder Venus Williams has secured a special invitation for the Australian Open, which kicks off on January 18 in Melbourne.
A Landmark Return to Melbourne Park
Tournament officials announced on Friday that the forty-five-year-old legend will make a return at the tournament venue a staggering 28 years after her debut. Back in 1998, she defeated her sibling Serena in the second round before exiting in the quarter-finals to compatriot Lindsay Davenport.
Preparing for the Australian Summer
Venus had previously revealed in November her intention to play in Auckland, New Zealand, where she was likewise awarded a special entry, two weeks prior to the Melbourne event. Organizers added that Williams is scheduled to participate in Hobart, Australia 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 finished runner-up in the women’s singles on two occasions, falling short against Serena in the championship matches of 2003 and 2017.
"I’m excited to be back in the country and eagerly anticipating competing during the Australian summer," Venus stated. "I have experienced so many incredible memories there, and I’m thankful for the chance to go back to a place that has meant so much to my career."
By the Numbers
Williams' overall record at the Australian Open stands at an notable 54 wins and 21 defeats. This year will represent the 22nd time she has appeared in the primary tournament field.
Setting a New Record
The tournament indicated that Williams is set to become the oldest woman to compete in an Australian Open main draw, eclipsing the mark previously held by Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was forty-four when she was defeated in the first round at Melbourne Park in 2015.
Latest Life Event
In the final days of December, Williams wed Danish-born model and actor Andrea Preti in Florida's Palm Beach.
