Venus Williams, 45, Receives Special Entry for First Melbourne Major in Half a Decade.
Seven-time Grand Slam singles champion Venus Williams has been granted a wild-card entry for the first Grand Slam of the year, commencing on January 18 in the city of Melbourne.
Historic Return to the Australian Courts
The event organizers announced on Friday that the 45-year-old icon will grace the courts again at Melbourne Park a staggering 28 years after her first appearance. Back in 1998, she defeated her sibling Serena in the early stage before exiting 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 intention to compete in Auckland, New Zealand, where she also received a special entry, two weeks before the Australian Open. The Australian Open added that Williams is also entered to participate in Hobart, Australia a week later, just before the action begins at the main venue.
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 championship matches of 2003 as well as 2017.
"I am thrilled to be back in Australia and eagerly anticipating competing during the Australian summer," Williams said. "I’ve had so many unforgettable moments there, and I’m thankful for the chance to return to a place that has meant so much to my career."
By the Numbers
Williams' career statistics at Melbourne Park stands at an impressive 54 wins and 21 losses. This year will mark the twenty-second occasion she has competed in the main draw.
Establishing a Fresh Benchmark
The tournament pointed out that Williams is poised to be the most senior female player to compete in an Open's main draw, eclipsing the mark formerly set 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 actor and model Andrea Preti in Palm Beach, Florida.
