Venus Williams, Receives Wild Card for Her Initial Melbourne Major in Five Years.
Seven-time Grand Slam singles champion Venus Williams has secured a wild-card entry for the Australian Open, which kicks off on the 18th of January in the city of Melbourne.
Historic Comeback to the Australian Courts
The event organizers announced on Friday that the forty-five-year-old icon will grace the courts again at the tournament venue a staggering 28 years after her first appearance. During 1998, she overcame her sibling Serena in the early stage before bowing out in the quarter-finals to compatriot Lindsay Davenport.
Gearing Up for the Summer Swing
Venus had previously revealed in November her intention to compete in Auckland, New Zealand, where she was likewise awarded a wild card, two weeks prior to the Australian Open. Organizers noted that Williams is scheduled to play a tournament in Australia's Hobart International a week later, immediately prior to the start of play at the main venue.
Her last appearance in Melbourne was in 2021, and she has finished runner-up in the singles competition on two separate instances, falling short against Serena in the finals of 2003 and 2017.
"I am thrilled to return in the country and looking forward to competing during the Australian summer," Venus stated. "I have experienced so many unforgettable moments there, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to go back to a venue that has meant so much to my professional journey."
By the Numbers
Williams' overall record at the Australian Open stands at an notable 54 wins and 21 defeats. The upcoming edition will represent the twenty-second occasion she has competed in the primary tournament field.
Establishing a New Record
The tournament indicated that Williams is poised to be the oldest woman to compete in an Open's singles competition, eclipsing the record formerly set by Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was 44 when she was defeated in the opening round at the venue in 2015.
Latest Life Event
In the final days of December, Williams married Denmark-born model and actor Andrea Preti in Palm Beach, Florida.
