Venus Williams, 45, Awarded Wild Card for First Melbourne Major in Five Years.
Seven-time Grand Slam singles champion Venus Williams has been granted a wild-card entry for the Australian Open, which kicks off on the 18th of January in the city of Melbourne.
Historic Return to Melbourne Park
The event organizers confirmed on Friday that the forty-five-year-old icon will grace the courts again at the tournament venue a remarkable 28 years after her debut. Back in 1998, she defeated her younger sister Serena in the early stage before bowing out in the last eight to compatriot Lindsay Davenport.
Preparing for the Summer Swing
Venus had earlier stated in the month of November her intention to compete in New Zealand's Auckland Classic, where she also received a wild card, two weeks prior to the Australian Open. Organizers noted that Williams is scheduled to participate 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 singles competition on two occasions, falling short against Serena in the championship matches of 2003 and 2017.
"I am thrilled to be back in the country and looking forward to competing during the summer season," Williams stated. "I’ve had so many incredible memories there, and I’m thankful for the chance to go back to a place that has been so significant to my professional journey."
Statistical Highlights
Williams' overall record at the Australian Open stands at an notable 54 victories and 21 defeats. This year will mark the twenty-second occasion she has competed in the primary tournament field.
Setting a Fresh Benchmark
The tournament indicated that Williams is set to become the oldest woman to compete in an Australian Open singles competition, eclipsing the mark formerly set by Japanese Kimiko Date, who was forty-four 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.
