Venus Williams, 45, Awarded Special Entry for First Melbourne Major in Half a Decade.
A seven-time Grand Slam title holder Venus Williams has secured a special invitation for the Australian Open, which kicks off on the 18th of January in the city of Melbourne.
A Landmark Return to the Australian Courts
Tournament officials announced on Friday that the 45-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 second round before bowing out in the quarter-finals to fellow American Lindsay Davenport.
Gearing Up for the Australian Summer
Venus had previously revealed in the month of November her plans to compete in Auckland, New Zealand, where she also received a wild card, a fortnight prior to the Australian Open. Organizers noted that Williams is also entered to play a tournament in Hobart, Australia a following week, immediately prior to the action begins at Melbourne Park.
Her last appearance in the city was in 2021, and she has finished runner-up in the women’s singles 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 summer season," Williams stated. "I’ve had so many incredible memories there, and I’m grateful for the chance to go back to a venue that has been so significant to my career."
By the Numbers
Williams' career statistics at Melbourne Park stands at an impressive 54 wins and 21 defeats. This year will represent the twenty-second occasion she has appeared in the primary tournament field.
Setting a Fresh Benchmark
Officials pointed out that Williams is set to become the oldest woman to take part in an Open's main draw, eclipsing the record previously held by Japanese Kimiko Date, who was 44 when she was defeated in the opening round at the venue in 2015.
Recent Life Event
In the final days of December, Williams wed Denmark-born model and actor Andrea Preti in Florida's Palm Beach.
