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A 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 January 18 in the city of Melbourne.

A Landmark Return to the Australian Courts

Tournament officials announced on the weekend that the forty-five-year-old legend will grace the courts again at Melbourne Park a remarkable 28 years after her debut. Back in 1998, she defeated her sibling Serena in the second round before bowing out in the quarter-finals to fellow American Lindsay Davenport.

Preparing for the Australian Summer

Venus had earlier stated in November her intention to play in Auckland, New Zealand, where she also received a special entry, two weeks prior to the Australian Open. Organizers noted that Williams is also entered to play a tournament in Hobart, Australia a week later, just before the action begins at Melbourne Park.

Her most recent visit in the city was in 2021, and she has finished runner-up in the women’s singles on two occasions, falling short against Serena in the finals of 2003 as well as 2017.

"I’m excited to be back in Australia and looking forward to competing during the summer season," Venus stated. "I have experienced so many unforgettable memories there, and I’m thankful for the opportunity to go back to a place that has meant so much to my professional journey."

By the Numbers

Williams' overall record at the Australian Open stands at an impressive 54 victories and 21 losses. This year will represent the twenty-second occasion she has competed in the primary tournament field.

Setting a Fresh Benchmark

Officials pointed out that Williams is set to become the oldest woman to compete in an Open's singles competition, surpassing the record previously held by Japanese Kimiko Date, who was forty-four when she lost in the first round at the venue in 2015.

Latest Life Event

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