Venus Williams, 45, Receives Wild Card for Her Initial Melbourne Major 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 Comeback to Melbourne Park
The event organizers confirmed on the weekend that the 45-year-old icon will make a return at Melbourne Park a staggering 28 years after her debut. During 1998, she overcame her sibling Serena in the early stage before bowing out in the quarter-finals to fellow American Lindsay Davenport.
Preparing for the Australian Summer
The tennis star had earlier stated in the month of November her plans to play in Auckland, New Zealand, where she was likewise awarded a wild card, a fortnight prior to the Australian Open. Organizers noted that Williams is scheduled to participate in Hobart, Australia a week later, just before the action begins at Melbourne Park.
Her most recent visit 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 and 2017.
"I’m excited to return in the country and looking forward to competing during the Australian summer," Williams stated. "I’ve had so many incredible memories there, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to return to a place that has meant so much to my career."
By the Numbers
Williams' career statistics at the Australian Open stands at an impressive 54 wins and 21 losses. The upcoming edition will represent the twenty-second occasion she has appeared in the main draw.
Establishing a New Record
The tournament pointed out that Williams is poised to be the most senior female player to take part in an Open's main draw, eclipsing the mark formerly set by Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was 44 when she was defeated in the first round at Melbourne Park in 2015.
Recent Personal Milestone
In late December, Williams married Denmark-born actor and model Andrea Preti in Florida's Palm Beach.
