The Legendary Williams, Awarded Special Entry for First Melbourne Major in Five Years.

A seven-time Grand Slam singles champion Venus Williams has secured a wild-card entry for the Australian Open, which kicks off on January 18 in Melbourne.

Historic Return to the Australian Courts

The event organizers announced on the weekend that the forty-five-year-old legend will make a return at Melbourne Park a staggering 28 years after her debut. During 1998, she overcame her sibling Serena in the second round before bowing out in the last eight to fellow American Lindsay Davenport.

Gearing Up for the Australian Summer

The tennis star had previously revealed in the month of November her plans to play in Auckland, New Zealand, where she was likewise awarded a wild card, two weeks prior to the Melbourne event. Organizers noted that Williams is also entered to play a tournament in Hobart, Australia a week later, immediately prior to the start of play at the main venue.

Her most recent visit in Melbourne was in the year 2021, and she has been a finalist in the women’s singles on two occasions, losing to Serena in the finals of 2003 and 2017.

"I am thrilled to return in the country and looking forward to playing during the Australian summer," Williams stated. "I have experienced so many unforgettable moments there, and I’m thankful for the opportunity to return to a place that has meant so much to my professional journey."

Statistical Highlights

Williams' career statistics at Melbourne Park stands at an impressive 54 victories and 21 losses. The upcoming edition will represent the twenty-second occasion she has appeared in the main draw.

Establishing a Fresh Benchmark

Officials indicated that Williams is set to become the oldest woman to take part in an Open's main draw, surpassing the mark previously held by Japanese Kimiko Date, who was 44 when she lost in the opening round at Melbourne Park in 2015.

Recent Life Event

In the final days of December, Williams married Denmark-born model and actor Andrea Preti in Florida's Palm Beach.