The Legendary Williams, 45, Receives Wild Card for Her Initial Melbourne Major in Half a Decade.

Seven-time Grand Slam singles champion Venus Williams has been granted a wild-card entry for the Australian Open, which kicks off on the 18th of January in Melbourne.

A Landmark Return to Melbourne Park

Tournament officials announced on the weekend that the 45-year-old icon will make a return at Melbourne Park a remarkable 28 years after her first appearance. During 1998, she defeated her sibling Serena in the second round before exiting in the last eight to compatriot Lindsay Davenport.

Preparing for the Australian Summer

Venus had previously revealed in November her plans to compete in New Zealand's Auckland Classic, where she was likewise awarded a special entry, two weeks prior to the Australian Open. The Australian Open added that Williams is also entered to play a tournament in Hobart, Australia a week later, immediately prior to the start of play at the main venue.

Her last appearance in the city 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 finals of 2003 and 2017.

"I am thrilled to be back in the country and looking forward to competing during the Australian summer," Venus said. "I have experienced so many incredible memories there, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to return to a venue that has been so significant to my professional journey."

By the Numbers

Williams' career statistics at Melbourne Park stands at an notable 54 victories and 21 defeats. The upcoming edition will mark the twenty-second occasion she has appeared in the main draw.

Establishing a New Record

Officials indicated that Williams is poised to be the oldest woman to compete in an Australian Open singles competition, surpassing the mark formerly set by Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was forty-four when she lost in the first round at Melbourne Park in 2015.

Recent Life Event

In the final days of December, Williams wed Denmark-born model and actor Andrea Preti in Palm Beach, Florida.