Seven-time Grand Slam singles champion Venus Williams has been awarded a wild card for the Australian Open, which begins on 18 January in Melbourne. The tournament confirmed the news on Friday, marking a return to Melbourne Park 28 years after her first appearance there.
Williams, now 45, last played in Melbourne in 2021 and has twice been runner-up in the women’s singles, losing to her sister Serena in the finals of 2003 and 2017. Her record at the venue stands at 54 wins and 21 losses, and this will be her 22nd appearance in the main draw.
“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.”
The tournament noted that Williams is set to become the oldest woman to compete in an Australian Open main draw, surpassing Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was 44 when she played in 2015. Williams had previously announced she would receive a wild card for the Auckland tournament in November, and is also entered for the Hobart event a week before the Australian Open.
