The Legendary Williams, Awarded Wild Card for Her Initial Melbourne Major in Five Years.
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 the 18th of January in the city of Melbourne.
A Landmark Comeback to the Australian Courts
The event organizers confirmed on the weekend that the 45-year-old icon will make a return at the tournament venue a staggering 28 years after her first appearance. Back in 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
Venus had previously revealed in the month of November her plans to compete in New Zealand's Auckland Classic, where she also received a wild card, two weeks before the Melbourne event. The Australian Open noted that Williams is also entered to play a tournament in Australia's Hobart International a following week, just before the action begins at Melbourne Park.
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, losing to Serena in the finals of 2003 as well as 2017.
"I am thrilled to be back in Australia and eagerly anticipating competing during the Australian summer," Venus stated. "I have experienced so many incredible memories there, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to go back to a venue that has been so significant to my professional journey."
By the Numbers
Williams' overall record at the Australian Open stands at an notable 54 victories and 21 defeats. The upcoming edition will mark the 22nd time she has appeared in the main draw.
Setting a New Record
The tournament pointed out that Williams is set to become 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 the venue in 2015.
Latest Personal Milestone
In late December, Williams wed Danish-born model and actor Andrea Preti in Florida's Palm Beach.
