Venus Williams, 45, Receives Special Entry for First Melbourne Major in Five Years.
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.
A Landmark Return to the Australian Courts
The event organizers announced on the weekend that the forty-five-year-old icon will make a return at the tournament venue a remarkable 28 years after her debut. During 1998, she overcame her sibling Serena in the early stage before exiting in the quarter-finals to compatriot Lindsay Davenport.
Gearing Up for the Summer Swing
The tennis star had earlier stated in the month of November her plans to compete in Auckland, New Zealand, where she was likewise awarded a wild card, a fortnight before the Melbourne event. The Australian Open added that Williams is scheduled to play a tournament in Hobart, Australia a week later, just before the start of play at the main venue.
Her last appearance in Melbourne was in 2021, and she has finished runner-up in the women’s singles on two occasions, falling short against Serena in the finals of 2003 as well as 2017.
"I am thrilled to be back in the country and looking forward to competing during the summer season," Williams stated. "I’ve had so many incredible moments there, and I’m thankful for the opportunity to return to a venue that has meant so much to my career."
Statistical Highlights
Williams' overall record at the Australian Open 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 singles competition, eclipsing the record formerly set by Japanese Kimiko Date, who was 44 when she lost in the first round at Melbourne Park in 2015.
Recent Personal Milestone
In the final days of December, Williams wed Denmark-born model and actor Andrea Preti in Florida's Palm Beach.
