The Legendary Williams, 45, Receives Special Entry for Her Initial Melbourne Major in Five Years.
Seven-time Grand Slam singles champion 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 Melbourne Park
The event organizers confirmed on the weekend that the forty-five-year-old icon will grace the courts again 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 compatriot Lindsay Davenport.
Gearing Up for the Summer Swing
Venus had earlier stated in the month of November her plans to play in Auckland, New Zealand, where she also received a wild card, two weeks prior to the Australian Open. Organizers added that Williams is scheduled to participate in Hobart, Australia a week later, immediately prior to the start of play at the main venue.
Her last appearance in the city was in 2021, and she has been a finalist in the women’s singles on two separate instances, losing to Serena in the championship matches of 2003 as well as 2017.
"I’m excited to be back in the country and looking forward to competing during the summer season," Venus stated. "I have experienced so many incredible moments there, and I’m thankful for the opportunity to return to a place that has been so significant to my professional journey."
By the Numbers
Williams' career statistics at the Australian Open stands at an notable 54 wins and 21 defeats. This year will represent the twenty-second occasion she has competed in the main draw.
Establishing a Fresh Benchmark
Officials pointed out that Williams is set to become the oldest woman to take part in an Australian Open singles competition, eclipsing the mark formerly set by Japanese Kimiko Date, who was forty-four when she was defeated in the opening round at Melbourne Park in 2015.
Latest Personal Milestone
In the final days of December, Williams married Denmark-born actor and model Andrea Preti in Palm Beach, Florida.
