The Legendary Williams, 45, Awarded Wild Card for Her Initial Melbourne Major in Half a Decade.
Seven-time Grand Slam title holder Venus Williams has secured a wild-card entry for the Australian Open, which kicks off on January 18 in the city of Melbourne.
A Landmark Return to Melbourne Park
The event organizers confirmed on Friday that the forty-five-year-old icon will make a return at the tournament venue a remarkable 28 years after her debut. Back in 1998, she defeated her sibling Serena in the second round before bowing out in the quarter-finals to compatriot Lindsay Davenport.
Preparing for the Australian Summer
Venus had earlier stated in the month of November her plans to play in New Zealand's Auckland Classic, where she also received a special entry, two weeks before the Australian Open. Organizers added that Williams is scheduled to play a tournament in Hobart, Australia a following week, immediately prior to the start of play at the main venue.
Her most recent visit in the city was in 2021, and she has been a finalist in the women’s singles on two separate instances, losing to Serena in the finals of 2003 and 2017.
"I’m excited to be back in the country and eagerly anticipating competing during the summer season," Williams stated. "I’ve had so many unforgettable memories there, and I’m thankful for the opportunity to go back to a venue that has meant so much to my professional journey."
By the Numbers
Williams' overall record at Melbourne Park stands at an notable 54 victories and 21 losses. The upcoming edition will represent the 22nd time she has competed in the main draw.
Establishing a Fresh Benchmark
The tournament pointed out that Williams is poised to be the most senior female player to compete in an Australian Open main draw, surpassing the mark formerly set by Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was 44 when she lost in the opening round at the venue in 2015.
Latest Personal Milestone
In late December, Williams married Denmark-born actor and model Andrea Preti in Palm Beach, Florida.