Venus Williams, Receives Special Entry for Her Initial Australian Open in Half a Decade.

Seven-time Grand Slam singles champion Venus Williams has been granted a wild-card entry for the first Grand Slam of the year, which kicks off on the 18th of January in Melbourne.

Historic Comeback to Melbourne Park

The event organizers announced on the weekend that the 45-year-old icon will grace the courts again at the tournament venue a remarkable 28 years after her first appearance. Back in 1998, she defeated her younger sister Serena in the second round before exiting in the last eight to compatriot Lindsay Davenport.

Preparing for the Australian Summer

The tennis star had previously revealed in November her plans to play in Auckland, New Zealand, where she also received a special entry, two weeks before the Melbourne event. The Australian Open noted that Williams is scheduled to participate in Australia's Hobart International a following week, just before the action begins at Melbourne Park.

Her last appearance 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 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 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. The upcoming edition will represent the twenty-second occasion she has appeared in the main draw.

Setting a Fresh Benchmark

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 late December, Williams wed Denmark-born model and actor Andrea Preti in Florida's Palm Beach.