Venus Williams, Awarded Wild Card for First Australian Open in Five Years.

A seven-time Grand Slam title holder Venus Williams has been granted a special invitation for the first Grand Slam of the year, which kicks off on the 18th of January in Melbourne.

A Landmark Comeback to the Australian Courts

The event organizers announced on the weekend that the forty-five-year-old legend will make a return at the tournament venue a remarkable 28 years after her debut. Back in 1998, she defeated her sibling Serena in the early stage before bowing out in the quarter-finals to fellow American Lindsay Davenport.

Gearing Up for the Australian Summer

Venus had earlier stated in the month of November her intention to compete in Auckland, New Zealand, where she was likewise awarded a special entry, two weeks prior to the Melbourne event. The Australian Open noted that Williams is also entered to play a tournament in Australia's Hobart International a week later, just before the action begins at the main venue.

Her last appearance in the city was in 2021, and she has finished runner-up in the singles competition on two occasions, falling short against Serena in the finals of 2003 and 2017.

"I am thrilled to be back in the country and looking forward to playing 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 professional journey."

By the Numbers

Williams' overall record at the Australian Open stands at an notable 54 victories and 21 losses. The upcoming edition will mark the twenty-second occasion she has competed in the main draw.

Setting a Fresh Benchmark

Officials indicated that Williams is poised to be the most senior female player to compete in an Open's main draw, surpassing the record previously held by Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was forty-four when she lost in the opening round at the venue in 2015.

Latest Personal Milestone

In the final days of December, Williams married Danish-born model and actor Andrea Preti in Florida's Palm Beach.