The Legendary Williams, 45, Awarded Wild Card for Her Initial Melbourne Major in Five Years.

Seven-time Grand Slam singles champion Venus Williams has been granted a special invitation for the Australian Open, commencing on the 18th of January in Melbourne.

Historic Return to the Australian Courts

The event organizers confirmed on the weekend that the forty-five-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 early stage before bowing out in the quarter-finals to fellow American Lindsay Davenport.

Preparing for the Summer Swing

The tennis star had earlier stated in the month of November her plans to play in Auckland, New Zealand, where she also received a special entry, two weeks before the Australian Open. The Australian Open noted that Williams is scheduled to participate in Hobart, Australia a week later, just before the start of play at Melbourne Park.

Her most recent visit in Melbourne was in the year 2021, and she has finished runner-up in the singles competition on two separate instances, falling short against Serena in the championship matches of 2003 and 2017.

"I’m excited to return in the country and eagerly anticipating playing during the summer season," Williams stated. "I have experienced so many incredible moments there, and I’m thankful for the chance to go back to a place that has been so significant to my career."

Statistical Highlights

Williams' career statistics at the Australian Open stands at an impressive 54 wins and 21 losses. This year will mark the twenty-second occasion she has competed in the main draw.

Setting a Fresh Benchmark

The tournament pointed out that Williams is poised to be the oldest woman to compete in an Open's singles competition, surpassing the record formerly set by Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was forty-four when she was defeated in the opening round at the venue in 2015.

Latest Life Event

In late December, Williams married Danish-born model and actor Andrea Preti in Palm Beach, Florida.