Venus Williams, Awarded Wild Card 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 first Grand Slam of the year, which kicks off on January 18 in Melbourne.
Historic Return to the Australian Courts
The event organizers confirmed on the weekend that the 45-year-old legend will grace the courts again at the tournament venue a remarkable 28 years after her debut. During 1998, she defeated her sibling Serena in the second round before bowing out in the last eight to compatriot Lindsay Davenport.
Preparing for the Summer Swing
The tennis star had previously revealed in November her plans to compete in Auckland, New Zealand, where she also received a wild card, two weeks before the Australian Open. The Australian Open added that Williams is scheduled to play a tournament in Australia's Hobart International a week later, immediately prior to the action begins at the main venue.
Her most recent visit in Melbourne was in 2021, and she has finished runner-up in the women’s singles on two occasions, losing to Serena in the finals of 2003 and 2017.
"I am thrilled to be back in Australia and looking forward to playing during the summer season," Williams said. "I’ve had so many incredible memories there, and I’m grateful for the chance to return to a place that has meant so much to my professional journey."
Statistical Highlights
Williams' overall record at Melbourne Park stands at an impressive 54 wins and 21 losses. This year will represent the 22nd time she has competed in the primary tournament field.
Establishing a New Record
Officials pointed out that Williams is poised to be the oldest woman to compete in an Australian Open singles competition, eclipsing the record formerly set by Japanese Kimiko Date, who was 44 when she lost in the first round at Melbourne Park in 2015.
Latest Personal Milestone
In the final days of December, Williams wed Danish-born model and actor Andrea Preti in Florida's Palm Beach.
