The Legendary Williams, 45, Receives Special Entry for Her Initial Australian Open in Half a Decade.

A seven-time Grand Slam title holder Venus Williams has secured a wild-card entry for the Australian Open, which kicks off on January 18 in the city of Melbourne.

A Landmark Comeback to Melbourne Park

Tournament officials confirmed on Friday that the forty-five-year-old icon will grace the courts again at Melbourne Park a remarkable 28 years after her first appearance. Back in 1998, she overcame her sibling Serena in the second round before exiting in the quarter-finals to compatriot Lindsay Davenport.

Preparing for the Australian Summer

The tennis star had earlier stated in the month of November her intention to play in Auckland, New Zealand, where she also received a special entry, two weeks prior to the Australian Open. The Australian Open added that Williams is scheduled to play a tournament in Hobart, Australia a week later, just before the action begins at Melbourne Park.

Her last appearance in the city was in the year 2021, and she has been a finalist in the singles competition on two occasions, losing to Serena in the finals of 2003 as well as 2017.

"I’m excited to return in the country and eagerly anticipating competing during the Australian summer," Venus said. "I’ve had so many unforgettable moments there, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to return to a place that has been so significant to my professional journey."

By the Numbers

Williams' overall record at Melbourne Park stands at an impressive 54 wins and 21 losses. The upcoming edition will represent the twenty-second occasion she has appeared in the main draw.

Establishing a Fresh Benchmark

The tournament indicated that Williams is poised to be the most senior female player to take part in an Australian Open singles competition, eclipsing the record previously held by Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was forty-four when she lost in the first round at the venue in 2015.

Recent Personal Milestone

In late December, Williams wed Danish-born actor and model Andrea Preti in Florida's Palm Beach.