The Legendary Williams, 45, Awarded Special Entry for Her Initial Melbourne Major in Five Years.
Seven-time Grand Slam title holder Venus Williams has been granted a special invitation for the Australian Open, commencing on the 18th of January in Melbourne.
Historic Return to Melbourne Park
Tournament officials confirmed on Friday that the forty-five-year-old icon will grace the courts again at Melbourne Park a remarkable 28 years after her debut. Back in 1998, she overcame her sibling Serena in the second round before bowing out in the quarter-finals to compatriot Lindsay Davenport.
Preparing for the Australian Summer
Venus had previously revealed in November her intention to play in New Zealand's Auckland Classic, where she was likewise awarded a wild card, a fortnight prior to the Melbourne event. Organizers noted that Williams is scheduled to play a tournament in Australia's Hobart International a following week, immediately prior to the action begins at Melbourne Park.
Her most recent visit in the city was in the year 2021, and she has finished runner-up in the singles competition on two separate instances, falling short against Serena in the championship matches of 2003 and 2017.
"I am thrilled to return in the country and eagerly anticipating competing during the Australian summer," Williams stated. "I’ve had so many incredible moments there, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to return to a place that has been so significant to my professional journey."
Statistical Highlights
Williams' overall record at the Australian Open stands at an notable 54 wins and 21 losses. The upcoming edition will represent the twenty-second occasion she has competed in the main draw.
Establishing a Fresh Benchmark
The tournament indicated that Williams is set to become the oldest woman to take part in an Australian Open singles competition, surpassing the mark previously held by Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was forty-four when she lost in the opening round at Melbourne Park in 2015.
Recent Personal Milestone
In the final days of December, Williams married Danish-born model and actor Andrea Preti in Florida's Palm Beach.
