The Legendary Williams, Receives Wild Card for First Melbourne Major in Five Years.
A seven-time Grand Slam title holder Venus Williams has been granted a wild-card entry for the first Grand Slam of the year, commencing on January 18 in the city of Melbourne.
A Landmark Return to the Australian Courts
Tournament officials announced on the weekend that the forty-five-year-old icon will make a return at the tournament venue a staggering 28 years after her first appearance. During 1998, she overcame her sibling Serena in the second round before bowing out in the last eight to compatriot Lindsay Davenport.
Gearing Up for the Australian Summer
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. Organizers noted that Williams is scheduled to participate in Australia's Hobart International a following week, immediately prior to the start of play at Melbourne Park.
Her most recent visit in the city was in 2021, and she has been a finalist in the women’s singles on two occasions, losing to Serena in the finals of 2003 and 2017.
"I’m excited to be back in the country and looking forward to playing during the Australian summer," Venus stated. "I have experienced so many incredible memories there, and I’m thankful for the opportunity to go back to a place that has meant so much to my professional journey."
By the Numbers
Williams' career statistics at the Australian Open stands at an notable 54 wins and 21 losses. This year will mark the 22nd time she has competed in the main draw.
Setting a New Record
Officials indicated that Williams is poised to be the oldest woman to take part in an Open's singles competition, eclipsing the record formerly set by Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was forty-four when she lost in the first round at the venue in 2015.
Recent Personal Milestone
In late December, Williams married Danish-born model and actor Andrea Preti in Florida's Palm Beach.
