Venus Williams, 45, Receives Wild Card for First Melbourne Major in Five Years.

A seven-time Grand Slam title holder Venus Williams has secured 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 Melbourne Park

Tournament officials confirmed on the weekend that the forty-five-year-old legend will make a return at Melbourne Park a remarkable 28 years after her first appearance. During 1998, she defeated her younger sister Serena in the early stage before bowing out in the last eight to compatriot Lindsay Davenport.

Gearing Up for the Summer Swing

Venus had previously revealed in November her plans to compete in Auckland, New Zealand, where she also received a wild card, two weeks before the Melbourne event. The Australian Open added that Williams is scheduled to participate in Hobart, Australia a following week, just before the start of play at the main venue.

Her most recent visit in the city was in 2021, and she has finished runner-up in the women’s singles on two occasions, losing to Serena in the championship matches of 2003 and 2017.

"I am thrilled to return in Australia and eagerly anticipating competing during the Australian summer," Venus said. "I’ve had so many unforgettable moments there, and I’m grateful for the chance to go back to a venue that has meant so much to my career."

Statistical Highlights

Williams' overall record at Melbourne Park stands at an impressive 54 wins and 21 losses. This year will represent the twenty-second occasion she has competed in the main draw.

Setting a Fresh Benchmark

Officials indicated that Williams is poised to be the oldest woman to compete in an Open's main draw, surpassing the mark formerly set by Japanese Kimiko Date, who was forty-four when she lost in the opening round at the venue in 2015.

Recent Personal Milestone

In the final days of December, Williams wed Denmark-born model and actor Andrea Preti in Palm Beach, Florida.