The Legendary Williams, Awarded Wild Card for First Australian Open in Five Years.
Seven-time Grand Slam title holder Venus Williams has secured a wild-card entry for the first Grand Slam of the year, commencing on January 18 in Melbourne.
A Landmark Return to Melbourne Park
The event organizers announced on Friday that the 45-year-old legend will make a return at the tournament venue a remarkable 28 years after her debut. During 1998, she defeated her sibling Serena in the second round before exiting in the quarter-finals 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 Auckland, New Zealand, where she was likewise awarded a special entry, a fortnight prior to the Australian Open. Organizers added that Williams is scheduled to participate in Hobart, Australia a week later, immediately prior to the action begins at the main venue.
Her last appearance in Melbourne was in 2021, and she has been a finalist in the women’s singles on two occasions, losing to Serena in the championship matches of 2003 and 2017.
"I am thrilled to be back in Australia and eagerly anticipating competing during the summer season," Venus said. "I have experienced so many unforgettable memories there, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to return to a venue 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 losses. This year will represent the twenty-second occasion she has competed in the main draw.
Establishing a New Record
The tournament indicated that Williams is set to become the most senior female player to take part in an Open's main draw, surpassing 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.
Recent Life Event
In late December, Williams wed Denmark-born model and actor Andrea Preti in Palm Beach, Florida.
