Venus Williams, 45, Awarded Special Entry for Her Initial Australian Open in Five Years.

Seven-time Grand Slam singles champion Venus Williams has secured a wild-card entry for the first Grand Slam of the year, commencing on January 18 in Melbourne.

A Landmark Return to the Australian Courts

Tournament officials confirmed on Friday that the forty-five-year-old legend will make a return at the tournament venue a remarkable 28 years after her first appearance. During 1998, she defeated her sibling Serena in the second round before bowing out in the quarter-finals to compatriot Lindsay Davenport.

Gearing Up for the Australian Summer

The tennis star had earlier stated in the month of November her plans to play in New Zealand's Auckland Classic, where she also received a wild card, a fortnight before the Melbourne event. The Australian Open noted that Williams is scheduled to participate in Hobart, Australia a following week, just before the start of play 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 Australia and eagerly anticipating competing during the summer season," Williams said. "I’ve had so many unforgettable moments there, and I’m thankful for the chance to go back to a venue that has been so significant to my career."

By the Numbers

Williams' career statistics at the Australian Open stands at an notable 54 victories and 21 losses. The upcoming edition will represent the 22nd time she has appeared in the primary tournament field.

Establishing a Fresh Benchmark

Officials pointed out that Williams is poised to be the oldest woman to take part in an Open's singles competition, surpassing the record previously held by Japanese Kimiko Date, who was forty-four when she lost in the first round at Melbourne Park in 2015.

Latest Life Event

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