Venus Williams, 45, Awarded Wild Card for First Melbourne Major in Five Years.
Seven-time Grand Slam title holder Venus Williams has secured a wild-card entry for the Australian Open, commencing on January 18 in the city of Melbourne.
A Landmark Return to Melbourne Park
The event organizers confirmed on Friday that the 45-year-old legend will make a return at Melbourne Park a remarkable 28 years after her debut. During 1998, she defeated her sibling Serena in the second round before bowing out in the last eight to fellow American Lindsay Davenport.
Gearing Up for the Australian Summer
Venus had previously revealed in November her intention to compete in Auckland, New Zealand, where she was likewise awarded a special entry, a fortnight prior to the Melbourne event. The Australian Open noted that Williams is scheduled to participate in Australia's Hobart International a following week, just before the action begins at the main venue.
Her last appearance in Melbourne was in 2021, and she has been a finalist in the singles competition on two occasions, losing to 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’ve had so many incredible moments there, and I’m thankful for the chance 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. This year will mark the twenty-second occasion she has competed in the main draw.
Setting a New Record
The tournament pointed out that Williams is set to become the oldest woman to compete in an Australian Open main draw, eclipsing the record previously held by Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was 44 when she was defeated in the opening round at the venue in 2015.
Recent Personal Milestone
In the final days of December, Williams married Danish-born model and actor Andrea Preti in Florida's Palm Beach.
