The Legendary Williams, Awarded Wild Card for Her Initial Melbourne Major in Half a Decade.
Seven-time Grand Slam singles champion Venus Williams has secured a special invitation for the first Grand Slam of the year, which kicks off on the 18th of January in Melbourne.
Historic Comeback to the Australian Courts
The event organizers announced on Friday that the 45-year-old legend will make a return at Melbourne Park a remarkable 28 years after her first appearance. Back in 1998, she overcame her sibling Serena in the early stage before exiting in the last eight to fellow American Lindsay Davenport.
Gearing Up for the Australian Summer
Venus had earlier stated in November her intention to compete in New Zealand's Auckland Classic, where she also received a wild card, two weeks before the Melbourne event. The Australian Open noted that Williams is also entered to participate in Australia's Hobart International a following week, immediately prior to the start of play at Melbourne Park.
Her last appearance in the city was in 2021, and she has finished runner-up in the women’s singles on two separate instances, 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 stated. "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 professional journey."
By the Numbers
Williams' career statistics at Melbourne Park stands at an impressive 54 wins and 21 defeats. This year will represent the twenty-second occasion she has appeared in the main draw.
Setting a Fresh Benchmark
Officials pointed out that Williams is set to become the oldest woman to compete in an Open's singles competition, surpassing the record formerly set by Japanese Kimiko Date, who was 44 when she lost in the first round at Melbourne Park in 2015.
Recent Personal Milestone
In late December, Williams married Danish-born model and actor Andrea Preti in Florida's Palm Beach.
