Venus Williams, Awarded Wild Card for First Melbourne Major in Half a Decade.
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.
Historic Comeback to Melbourne Park
Tournament officials confirmed on Friday that the 45-year-old legend will make a return at the tournament venue a staggering 28 years after her debut. During 1998, she defeated her sibling Serena in the second round before bowing out in the quarter-finals to fellow American Lindsay Davenport.
Preparing for the Summer Swing
The tennis star had previously revealed in November her plans to compete in New Zealand's Auckland Classic, where she was likewise awarded a wild card, a fortnight before the Melbourne event. Organizers noted that Williams is scheduled to play a tournament in Hobart, Australia a following week, immediately prior to the start of play 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 and 2017.
"I’m excited to be back in Australia and eagerly anticipating competing during the summer season," Venus said. "I’ve had so many unforgettable memories there, and I’m thankful for the chance to return to a place that has been so significant to my professional journey."
By the Numbers
Williams' overall record at the Australian Open stands at an impressive 54 wins and 21 losses. This year will represent the twenty-second occasion she has appeared in the main draw.
Establishing a New Record
The tournament indicated that Williams is set to become the oldest woman to take part in an Open's singles competition, surpassing the record previously held by Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was forty-four when she was defeated in the first round at the venue in 2015.
Recent Life Event
In the final days of December, Williams wed Danish-born model and actor Andrea Preti in Florida's Palm Beach.
