Venus Williams, 45, Awarded Wild Card for First Melbourne Major in Half a Decade.
A seven-time Grand Slam singles champion Venus Williams has secured a wild-card entry for the Australian Open, commencing on the 18th of January in the city of Melbourne.
Historic Return to Melbourne Park
The event organizers announced on the weekend that the 45-year-old icon will make a return at the tournament venue a staggering 28 years after her first appearance. During 1998, she defeated her younger sister Serena in the second round before bowing out in the quarter-finals to compatriot Lindsay Davenport.
Preparing for the Summer Swing
Venus had previously revealed in November her intention to play in Auckland, New Zealand, where she also received a wild card, two weeks before the Australian Open. The Australian Open added that Williams is scheduled to participate in Australia's Hobart International a week later, just before the action begins at Melbourne Park.
Her last appearance in Melbourne was in 2021, and she has finished runner-up in the singles competition on two occasions, falling short against Serena in the championship matches of 2003 and 2017.
"I’m excited to return in the country and looking forward to competing during the summer season," Williams stated. "I’ve had so many unforgettable memories there, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to return to a place that has meant so much to my professional journey."
By the Numbers
Williams' career statistics at the Australian Open stands at an impressive 54 wins and 21 defeats. This year will represent the 22nd time she has competed in the primary tournament field.
Setting a New Record
The tournament pointed out that Williams is set to become the oldest woman to take part in an Open's singles competition, surpassing the record formerly set by Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was 44 when she lost in the first round at the venue in 2015.
Latest Personal Milestone
In late December, Williams married Denmark-born model and actor Andrea Preti in Palm Beach, Florida.
