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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.

A Landmark Return to the Australian Courts

Tournament officials 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. During 1998, she overcame her sibling Serena in the early stage before bowing out in the quarter-finals to fellow American Lindsay Davenport.

Preparing for the Summer Swing

Venus had previously revealed in the month of November her intention to compete in Auckland, New Zealand, where she also received a special entry, a fortnight prior to the Melbourne event. Organizers noted that Williams is scheduled to participate in Hobart, Australia a following week, immediately prior to the action begins at the main venue.

Her most recent visit in Melbourne was in the year 2021, and she has been a finalist in the women’s singles on two separate instances, losing to Serena in the championship matches of 2003 as well as 2017.

"I’m excited to be back in the country and eagerly anticipating playing during the Australian summer," Venus stated. "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' overall record at Melbourne Park stands at an impressive 54 wins and 21 defeats. This year will mark the 22nd time she has appeared in the primary tournament field.

Setting a New Record

The tournament indicated that Williams is poised to be the oldest woman to compete in an Australian Open main draw, eclipsing the record formerly set by Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was 44 when she lost in the first round at the venue in 2015.

Recent Personal Milestone

In the final days of December, Williams wed Danish-born model and actor Andrea Preti in Palm Beach, Florida.