The Legendary Williams, Awarded Wild Card for First Melbourne Major in Half a Decade.
A seven-time Grand Slam singles champion Venus Williams has secured a special invitation for the Australian Open, which kicks off on January 18 in Melbourne.
A Landmark Return to Melbourne Park
Tournament officials announced on the weekend that the 45-year-old legend will make a return at Melbourne Park a remarkable 28 years after her debut. Back in 1998, she defeated 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
Venus had earlier stated in November her intention to compete in Auckland, New Zealand, where she was likewise awarded a special entry, two weeks before the Melbourne event. Organizers noted that Williams is scheduled to play a tournament in Hobart, Australia a following week, just before the start of play at the main venue.
Her last appearance in the city was in 2021, and she has been a finalist in the singles competition on two occasions, losing to Serena in the finals of 2003 as well as 2017.
"I am thrilled to return in the country and looking forward to playing during the Australian summer," Williams stated. "I have experienced so many incredible moments there, and I’m thankful for the opportunity to return to a place that has been so significant to my professional journey."
Statistical Highlights
Williams' career statistics at the Australian Open stands at an impressive 54 wins and 21 defeats. The upcoming edition will represent the 22nd time she has competed in the primary tournament field.
Setting a Fresh Benchmark
Officials pointed out that Williams is poised to be the oldest woman to compete in an Australian Open main draw, eclipsing the mark previously held by Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was 44 when she lost in the opening round at the venue in 2015.
Recent Life Event
In the final days of December, Williams married Denmark-born model and actor Andrea Preti in Florida's Palm Beach.
