Venus Williams, Receives Wild Card for Her Initial Melbourne Major in Five Years.
A seven-time Grand Slam singles champion Venus Williams has secured a wild-card entry for the Australian Open, which kicks off on January 18 in Melbourne.
Historic Comeback to the Australian Courts
The event organizers confirmed on Friday that the 45-year-old legend will grace the courts again at the tournament venue a remarkable 28 years after her first appearance. During 1998, she defeated her younger sister Serena in the second round before exiting in the quarter-finals to fellow American Lindsay Davenport.
Gearing Up for the Australian Summer
The tennis star had previously revealed in the month of November her plans to play in Auckland, New Zealand, where she also received a special entry, two weeks before the Melbourne event. Organizers added that Williams is scheduled to play a tournament in Hobart, Australia a following week, immediately prior to the start of play at Melbourne Park.
Her most recent visit in Melbourne was in 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 as well as 2017.
"I am thrilled to be back in the country and eagerly anticipating competing during the summer season," Williams said. "I’ve had so many unforgettable moments there, and I’m grateful for the chance to return to a venue that has been so significant 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
Officials pointed out that Williams is set to become the most senior female player to take part in an Open's singles competition, surpassing the mark formerly set by Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was 44 when she lost in the opening round at Melbourne Park in 2015.
Recent Personal Milestone
In late December, Williams married Danish-born model and actor Andrea Preti in Florida's Palm Beach.
