The Legendary Williams, 45, Awarded Special Entry for Her Initial Australian Open in Half a Decade.
Seven-time Grand Slam singles champion Venus Williams has secured a special invitation for the Australian Open, which kicks off on January 18 in the city of Melbourne.
A Landmark Return to Melbourne Park
Tournament officials confirmed on the weekend that the forty-five-year-old icon will make a return at the tournament venue a staggering 28 years after her first appearance. During 1998, she overcame her younger sister Serena in the second round before bowing out in the quarter-finals to fellow American Lindsay Davenport.
Preparing for the Summer Swing
Venus had earlier stated in the month of November her plans to play in Auckland, New Zealand, where she also received a special entry, a fortnight prior to the Melbourne event. Organizers added that Williams is scheduled to play a tournament in Hobart, Australia a week later, just before the start of play at Melbourne Park.
Her last appearance in Melbourne was in 2021, and she has been a finalist in the singles competition on two separate instances, losing to Serena in the championship matches of 2003 and 2017.
"I’m excited to return in the country and looking forward to competing during the Australian summer," Venus said. "I’ve had so many incredible moments there, and I’m grateful for the chance to go back to a place that has meant so much to my professional journey."
By the Numbers
Williams' career statistics at the Australian Open stands at an impressive 54 wins and 21 defeats. The upcoming edition will represent the 22nd time she has appeared in the main draw.
Establishing a New Record
Officials indicated that Williams is poised to be the most senior female player to compete in an Open's singles competition, eclipsing the mark formerly set by Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was forty-four when she lost in the opening round at the venue in 2015.
Latest Life Event
In late December, Williams wed Denmark-born model and actor Andrea Preti in Florida's Palm Beach.
