The Legendary Williams, Receives Wild Card 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 Melbourne.

A Landmark Return to the Australian Courts

The event organizers confirmed on the weekend that the 45-year-old legend will make a return at Melbourne Park a staggering 28 years after her debut. Back in 1998, she overcame her sibling Serena in the second round before exiting in the quarter-finals to compatriot Lindsay Davenport.

Preparing for the Summer Swing

Venus had earlier stated in the month of November her intention to play in Auckland, New Zealand, where she also received a wild card, a fortnight before the Australian Open. Organizers noted that Williams is scheduled to play a tournament in Hobart, Australia a week later, immediately prior to the start of play at the main venue.

Her most recent visit in Melbourne was in the year 2021, and she has been a finalist in the singles competition on two separate instances, 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 summer season," Venus said. "I have experienced so many incredible moments there, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to go back to a place that has been so significant to my career."

By the Numbers

Williams' overall record at Melbourne Park stands at an impressive 54 wins and 21 defeats. The upcoming edition will mark the twenty-second occasion she has appeared in the main draw.

Setting a New Record

The tournament pointed out that Williams is poised to be the oldest woman to take part in an Australian Open main draw, eclipsing the record formerly set by Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was forty-four when she lost in the opening round at Melbourne Park in 2015.

Latest Personal Milestone

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