🔗 Share this article

A seven-time Grand Slam singles champion Venus Williams has secured a special invitation for the first Grand Slam of the year, which kicks off on the 18th of January in the city of Melbourne.

A Landmark Comeback to the Australian Courts

Tournament officials confirmed on the weekend that the forty-five-year-old icon will make a return at Melbourne Park a remarkable 28 years after her debut. During 1998, she defeated her younger sister Serena in the second round before exiting in the quarter-finals to compatriot Lindsay Davenport.

Preparing for the Australian Summer

The tennis star had previously revealed in November her plans to compete in Auckland, New Zealand, where she also received a special entry, two weeks prior to the Australian Open. The Australian Open noted that Williams is scheduled to play a tournament in Hobart, Australia a week later, just before the start of play at the main venue.

Her most recent visit in the city was in the year 2021, and she has finished runner-up in the women’s singles on two occasions, losing to Serena in the finals of 2003 and 2017.

"I’m excited to be back in Australia and looking forward to competing during the Australian summer," Venus stated. "I’ve had so many unforgettable memories there, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to go back to a place that has been so significant to my career."

Statistical Highlights

Williams' overall record at the Australian Open stands at an notable 54 victories and 21 defeats. The upcoming edition will mark the twenty-second occasion she has competed in the primary tournament field.

Setting a New Record

The tournament pointed out that Williams is poised to be the most senior female player to take part in an Open's main draw, surpassing the record previously held by Japanese Kimiko Date, who was forty-four when she lost in the first round at Melbourne Park in 2015.

Latest Life Event

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