Tennis legend Venus Williams is poised to smash a major record after receiving a wild card entry for the 2026 Australian Open women's singles. At 45 years old, the seven-time Grand Slam champion will become the oldest woman ever to compete in the main draw in Melbourne.
A Historic Return Down Under
Venus Williams has not played at the Australian Open since 2021, and her last competitive appearance outside the United States was in 2023. Her return was confirmed on Friday, 2 January 2026, with tournament organisers awarding her the final women's wild card for the season's opening major. The event is scheduled to begin on 18 January.
This achievement will see her surpass the previous record held by Japan's Kimiko Date, who was 44 during her 2015 appearance. Williams, a two-time runner-up at Melbourne Park, will first tune up at the Hobart International warm-up event starting on 12 January.
Overcoming Challenges for a Comeback
The American star's journey back to the court has been marked by significant health challenges. In August 2024, she underwent surgery for uterine fibroids after years of related issues. She made a triumphant return to competition last summer in Washington DC, where she became the oldest woman to win a tour-level match since Martina Navratilova in 2004.
Her form was evident at the subsequent US Open, where she pushed 11th seed Karolina Muchova to three sets before a first-round exit. Williams has not played on tour since that match and recently celebrated her marriage last month.
A Legacy of Australian Success
While the singles title has eluded her in Melbourne, Williams has an illustrious history at the tournament. She finished as runner-up in both 2003 and 2017, losing each final to her sister Serena. Her doubles record is formidable, with four women's doubles titles and one mixed doubles championship to her name.
"I'm excited to be back in Australia and looking forward to competing during the Australian summer," Williams said. "I've had so many incredible memories there, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to return to a place that has meant so much to my career."
In related news, Australian Open officials have yet to decide if one of the three remaining men's wild cards will go to Nick Kyrgios, following his victory in last week's Battle of the Sexes exhibition match.
