Venus Williams, 45, Awarded Special Entry for Her Initial Melbourne Major in Half a Decade.
A seven-time Grand Slam singles champion Venus Williams has secured a wild-card entry for the Australian Open, commencing on January 18 in Melbourne.
Historic Comeback to Melbourne Park
Tournament officials announced on the weekend that the forty-five-year-old icon will make a return at the tournament venue a staggering 28 years after her first appearance. During 1998, she defeated her sibling Serena in the second round before exiting in the quarter-finals to fellow American Lindsay Davenport.
Preparing for the Summer Swing
The tennis star had earlier stated in the month of November her intention to compete in New Zealand's Auckland Classic, where she also received a wild card, two weeks prior to the Australian Open. Organizers noted that Williams is scheduled to play a tournament in Hobart, Australia a week later, just before the action begins at Melbourne Park.
Her most recent visit in Melbourne was in the year 2021, and she has finished runner-up in the singles competition on two separate instances, losing to Serena in the finals of 2003 as well as 2017.
"I’m excited to be back in Australia and eagerly anticipating playing during the summer season," Williams stated. "I’ve had so many incredible moments there, and I’m thankful for the chance to go back to a place that has been so significant to my career."
Statistical Highlights
Williams' career statistics at the Australian Open stands at an notable 54 wins and 21 losses. This year will represent the twenty-second occasion she has competed in the primary tournament field.
Establishing a New Record
The tournament indicated that Williams is poised to be the oldest woman to compete in an Open's main draw, eclipsing the record formerly set by Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was 44 when she lost in the opening round at the venue in 2015.
Recent Personal Milestone
In late December, Williams wed Danish-born actor and model Andrea Preti in Florida's Palm Beach.
