The Legendary Williams, Awarded Wild Card for Her Initial Australian Open in Five Years.
Seven-time Grand Slam title holder Venus Williams has been granted a special invitation for the Australian Open, which kicks off on January 18 in Melbourne.
A Landmark Return to Melbourne Park
Tournament officials confirmed on Friday that the forty-five-year-old legend will grace the courts again at the tournament venue a staggering 28 years after her debut. During 1998, she defeated her younger sister Serena in the early stage before exiting in the quarter-finals to fellow American Lindsay Davenport.
Preparing for the Australian Summer
The tennis star had previously revealed in the month of November her plans to compete in New Zealand's Auckland Classic, where she also received a special entry, a fortnight prior to the Melbourne event. The Australian Open noted that Williams is also entered 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 the city was in 2021, and she has finished runner-up in the singles competition on two occasions, falling short against Serena in the finals of 2003 and 2017.
"I am thrilled to return in Australia and eagerly anticipating competing during the summer season," Williams said. "I have experienced so many incredible moments there, and I’m thankful for the opportunity to return to a venue that has been so significant to my professional journey."
Statistical Highlights
Williams' career statistics at the Australian Open stands at an notable 54 victories and 21 losses. This year will represent the twenty-second occasion she has appeared in the primary tournament field.
Setting a Fresh Benchmark
The tournament pointed out that Williams is poised to be the oldest woman to take part in an Australian Open singles competition, surpassing the mark previously held by Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was 44 when she lost in the first round at Melbourne Park in 2015.
Latest Life Event
In the final days of December, Williams married Denmark-born model and actor Andrea Preti in Florida's Palm Beach.
