The Legendary Williams, 45, Awarded 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 the city of Melbourne.
Historic Return to Melbourne Park
The event organizers confirmed on the weekend that the 45-year-old icon will make a return at Melbourne Park a remarkable 28 years after her debut. Back in 1998, she overcame her younger sister Serena in the second round before bowing out in the last eight to fellow American Lindsay Davenport.
Preparing for the Australian Summer
Venus had earlier stated in November her intention to play in Auckland, New Zealand, where she also received a wild card, a fortnight before the Melbourne event. Organizers noted that Williams is scheduled to participate in Hobart, Australia a week later, immediately prior to the action begins at the main venue.
Her most recent visit in the city was in the year 2021, and she has been a finalist in the women’s singles on two separate instances, losing to Serena in the championship matches of 2003 and 2017.
"I’m excited to be back in the country and looking forward to playing during the Australian summer," Williams said. "I’ve had so many incredible memories there, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to go back to a place 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 losses. The upcoming edition will mark the twenty-second occasion she has appeared in the main draw.
Setting a New Record
The tournament pointed out that Williams is poised to be 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 the venue in 2015.
Recent Personal Milestone
In late December, Williams wed Denmark-born actor and model Andrea Preti in Palm Beach, Florida.
