Venus Williams, 45, Awarded Special Entry for First Australian Open in Half a Decade.

A seven-time Grand Slam singles champion Venus Williams has secured a wild-card entry for the Australian Open, commencing on the 18th of January in the city of Melbourne.

A Landmark Return to the Australian Courts

Tournament officials announced on the weekend that the 45-year-old legend will grace the courts again at Melbourne Park a remarkable 28 years after her first appearance. During 1998, she defeated her younger sister Serena in the second round before bowing out in the quarter-finals to fellow American Lindsay Davenport.

Gearing Up for the Australian Summer

Venus had previously revealed in November her intention to play in Auckland, New Zealand, where she also received a special entry, a fortnight prior to the Melbourne event. Organizers noted that Williams is also entered to play a tournament in Hobart, Australia a following week, just before the start of play at Melbourne Park.

Her most recent visit in the city was in the year 2021, and she has been a finalist in the women’s singles on two separate instances, losing to Serena in the finals of 2003 as well as 2017.

"I am thrilled to be back in Australia and looking forward to competing during the Australian summer," Williams stated. "I’ve had so many incredible moments there, and I’m thankful for the opportunity to go back to a place that has meant so much to my professional journey."

Statistical Highlights

Williams' overall record at Melbourne Park stands at an notable 54 wins and 21 losses. This year will represent the twenty-second occasion she has competed in the primary tournament field.

Setting a New Record

The tournament pointed out that Williams is poised to be the oldest woman to compete in an Open's singles competition, surpassing the mark previously held by Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was forty-four when she lost in the opening round at Melbourne Park in 2015.

Latest Life Event

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