Venus Williams, 45, Receives Special Entry for First Melbourne Major in Half a Decade.
A seven-time Grand Slam title holder Venus Williams has secured a special invitation for the Australian Open, which kicks off on January 18 in the city of Melbourne.
Historic Return to Melbourne Park
The event organizers announced on the weekend that the forty-five-year-old icon will make a return at the tournament venue a remarkable 28 years after her first appearance. Back in 1998, she defeated her younger sister Serena in the early stage before exiting 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 Auckland, New Zealand, where she also received a wild card, two weeks before the Melbourne event. Organizers 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 the year 2021, and she has been a finalist in the singles competition on two separate instances, falling short against Serena in the championship matches of 2003 and 2017.
"I’m excited to be back in Australia and looking forward to playing during the Australian summer," Venus said. "I’ve had so many incredible moments there, and I’m grateful for the chance to return to a venue that has meant so much to my professional journey."
Statistical Highlights
Williams' overall record at the Australian Open stands at an notable 54 victories and 21 defeats. This year will represent the 22nd time she has appeared in the main draw.
Setting a Fresh Benchmark
The tournament pointed out that Williams is set to become the oldest woman to take part in an Open's singles competition, eclipsing the mark formerly set by Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was 44 when she was defeated in the first round at the venue in 2015.
Latest Personal Milestone
In the final days of December, Williams married Denmark-born model and actor Andrea Preti in Florida's Palm Beach.
