The Legendary Williams, 45, Receives Wild Card for First Melbourne Major in Five Years.
Seven-time Grand Slam singles champion Venus Williams has been granted a special invitation for the Australian Open, commencing on the 18th of January in the city of Melbourne.
Historic Comeback to Melbourne Park
The event organizers announced on Friday that the forty-five-year-old icon will grace the courts again at Melbourne Park a staggering 28 years after her debut. During 1998, she defeated her sibling Serena in the early stage before bowing out in the quarter-finals to compatriot Lindsay Davenport.
Preparing for the Summer Swing
Venus had previously revealed in the month of November her plans to play in Auckland, New Zealand, where she was likewise awarded a special entry, two weeks before the Australian Open. The Australian Open noted that Williams is scheduled to play a tournament in Hobart, Australia a week later, immediately prior to the start of play at Melbourne Park.
Her last appearance in the city was in 2021, and she has been a finalist in the singles competition on two separate instances, losing to Serena in the finals of 2003 as well as 2017.
"I am thrilled to be back in Australia and looking forward to competing during the Australian summer," Venus said. "I’ve had so many unforgettable memories there, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to go back to a venue that has meant so much to my career."
Statistical Highlights
Williams' overall record at Melbourne Park stands at an impressive 54 victories and 21 defeats. The upcoming edition will mark the 22nd time she has competed in the primary tournament field.
Setting a Fresh Benchmark
The tournament indicated that Williams is set to become the most senior female player to compete in an Open's main draw, surpassing the mark formerly set by Japanese Kimiko Date, who was forty-four when she lost in the first round at Melbourne Park in 2015.
Recent Personal Milestone
In late December, Williams wed Denmark-born model and actor Andrea Preti in Palm Beach, Florida.
