Venus Williams, Receives Special Entry for First Melbourne Major in Half a Decade.
A seven-time Grand Slam title holder Venus Williams has secured a wild-card entry for the Australian Open, commencing on the 18th of January in Melbourne.
A Landmark Return to the Australian Courts
Tournament officials confirmed on Friday that the 45-year-old icon will make a return at Melbourne Park a remarkable 28 years after her debut. Back in 1998, she overcame her sibling Serena in the early stage before bowing out in the last eight to compatriot Lindsay Davenport.
Preparing for the Summer Swing
Venus had previously revealed in the month of November her intention to play in Auckland, New Zealand, where she also received a special entry, two weeks prior to the Australian Open. Organizers added that Williams is scheduled to play a tournament in Hobart, Australia a week later, immediately prior to the start of play at Melbourne Park.
Her most recent visit in Melbourne was in 2021, and she has finished runner-up in the women’s singles on two occasions, falling short against Serena in the championship matches of 2003 and 2017.
"I am thrilled to be back in the country and eagerly anticipating competing during the Australian summer," Williams said. "I have experienced so many unforgettable memories there, and I’m grateful for the chance to return to a venue that has meant so much to my professional journey."
By the Numbers
Williams' overall record at the Australian Open stands at an notable 54 wins and 21 defeats. The upcoming edition will represent the twenty-second occasion she has appeared in the primary tournament field.
Setting a New Record
The tournament indicated that Williams is set to become the oldest woman to take part in an Australian Open singles competition, eclipsing the mark formerly set by Japanese Kimiko Date, who was forty-four when she lost in the first round at Melbourne Park in 2015.
Latest Life Event
In the final days of December, Williams married Danish-born actor and model Andrea Preti in Florida's Palm Beach.
