The Legendary Williams, Awarded Wild Card for First Australian Open in Five Years.
A seven-time Grand Slam title holder 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
Tournament officials confirmed on Friday that the forty-five-year-old legend will make a return at Melbourne Park a staggering 28 years after her first appearance. During 1998, she defeated her sibling Serena in the early stage before exiting in the last eight to fellow American Lindsay Davenport.
Preparing for the Australian Summer
Venus had earlier stated in November her plans to play 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 scheduled to participate in Australia's Hobart International a following week, just before the action begins at Melbourne Park.
Her last appearance in Melbourne was in the year 2021, and she has finished runner-up in the singles competition 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 Australian summer," Williams said. "I’ve had so many incredible memories there, and I’m grateful for the chance to go back to a place that has meant so much to my career."
Statistical Highlights
Williams' career statistics at the Australian Open stands at an impressive 54 victories and 21 losses. This year will represent the twenty-second occasion she has appeared in the primary tournament field.
Establishing a New Record
The tournament indicated that Williams is set to become the oldest woman to take part in an Open's main draw, surpassing the record previously held by Japanese Kimiko Date, who was 44 when she lost in the opening round at the venue in 2015.
Latest Personal Milestone
In the final days of December, Williams wed Denmark-born model and actor Andrea Preti in Palm Beach, Florida.
