A seven-time Grand Slam singles champion Venus Williams has been granted a special invitation 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 confirmed on Friday 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 overcame her sibling Serena in the second round before exiting in the quarter-finals to compatriot Lindsay Davenport.
Gearing Up for the Australian Summer
The tennis star had previously revealed in the month of November her plans to play in Auckland, New Zealand, where she was likewise awarded a special entry, a fortnight prior to the Melbourne event. Organizers noted that Williams is scheduled to play a tournament in Australia's Hobart International a week later, immediately prior to the start of play at Melbourne Park.
Her last appearance in Melbourne was in 2021, and she has finished runner-up in the women’s singles on two separate instances, falling short against Serena in the championship matches of 2003 and 2017.
"I’m excited to be back in the country and looking forward to playing during the summer season," Venus stated. "I have experienced 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."
Statistical Highlights
Williams' overall record at Melbourne Park stands at an impressive 54 victories and 21 losses. This year will mark 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 Australian Open main draw, eclipsing the mark formerly set by Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was 44 when she was defeated in the first round at Melbourne Park in 2015.
Latest Personal Milestone
In the final days of December, Williams wed Danish-born model and actor Andrea Preti in Florida's Palm Beach.
