The Legendary Williams, Receives Special Entry for First Melbourne Major in Half a Decade.

Seven-time Grand Slam title holder Venus Williams has been granted a wild-card entry for the Australian Open, commencing on January 18 in Melbourne.

A Landmark Comeback to the Australian Courts

The event organizers confirmed on the weekend that the 45-year-old icon will make a return at Melbourne Park a staggering 28 years after her debut. During 1998, she defeated her younger sister Serena in the early stage before bowing out in the last eight to compatriot Lindsay Davenport.

Gearing Up for the Australian Summer

Venus had earlier stated in November her plans to play in Auckland, New Zealand, where she also received a wild card, a fortnight prior to the Melbourne event. The Australian Open noted that Williams is also entered to play a tournament in Australia's Hobart International a following week, just before the start of play at the main venue.

Her most recent visit in the city was in 2021, and she has been a finalist in the women’s singles on two separate instances, losing to Serena in the finals of 2003 and 2017.

"I’m excited to return in the country and looking forward to competing during the summer season," Williams stated. "I have experienced so many unforgettable memories there, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to go back to a venue that has been so significant to my career."

By the Numbers

Williams' career statistics at Melbourne Park stands at an impressive 54 victories and 21 defeats. This year will mark the 22nd time she has appeared in the main draw.

Establishing a New Record

The tournament indicated that Williams is set to become the most senior female player to take part in an Open's main draw, eclipsing the record formerly set by Japanese Kimiko Date, who was 44 when she lost in the opening round at the venue in 2015.

Recent Life Event

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