Seven-time Grand Slam title holder Venus Williams has secured a special invitation for the Australian Open, which kicks off on January 18 in Melbourne.
The event organizers confirmed on the weekend that the 45-year-old icon will grace the courts again at the tournament venue a remarkable 28 years after her first appearance. During 1998, she overcame her sibling Serena in the second round before exiting in the last eight to compatriot Lindsay Davenport.
The tennis star had previously revealed in November her plans to play in Auckland, New Zealand, where she also received a wild card, two weeks prior to the Melbourne event. The Australian Open added that Williams is also entered to play a tournament in Australia's Hobart International a week later, just before the action begins at the main venue.
Her most recent visit in the city was in the year 2021, and she has been a finalist in the singles competition on two occasions, falling short against Serena in the finals of 2003 and 2017.
"I am thrilled to be back in Australia and eagerly anticipating competing during the Australian summer," Williams stated. "I have experienced so many incredible memories there, and I’m grateful for the chance to return to a venue that has been so significant to my career."
Williams' career statistics at Melbourne Park stands at an impressive 54 victories and 21 losses. This year will mark the 22nd time she has competed in the main draw.
Officials pointed out that Williams is poised to be the oldest woman to take part in an Australian Open main draw, eclipsing the mark previously held by Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was forty-four when she was defeated in the opening round at Melbourne Park in 2015.
In late December, Williams wed Denmark-born model and actor Andrea Preti in Florida's Palm Beach.
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