Venus Williams, 45, Awarded Special Entry for Her Initial Melbourne Major in Half a Decade.

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

Historic Comeback to the Australian Courts

The event organizers confirmed on the weekend that the forty-five-year-old legend will make a return at the tournament venue a remarkable 28 years after her first appearance. Back in 1998, she defeated her sibling Serena in the early stage before exiting in the quarter-finals to fellow American Lindsay Davenport.

Preparing for the Summer Swing

Venus had previously revealed in the month of November her intention to play in Auckland, New Zealand, where she was likewise awarded a wild card, two weeks prior to the Melbourne event. The Australian Open noted that Williams is also entered to play a tournament in Australia's Hobart International a following week, just before the action begins at the main venue.

Her last appearance in Melbourne was in the year 2021, and she has finished runner-up in the singles competition on two occasions, losing to Serena in the championship matches of 2003 and 2017.

"I’m excited to return in the country and eagerly anticipating competing during the summer season," Venus said. "I have experienced so many incredible moments there, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to return to a place that has meant so much to my professional journey."

Statistical Highlights

Williams' career statistics at the Australian Open stands at an impressive 54 wins and 21 losses. This year will mark the twenty-second occasion she has competed in the main draw.

Establishing a Fresh Benchmark

The tournament indicated that Williams is poised to be the oldest woman to take part in an Australian Open singles competition, eclipsing the mark previously held by Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was 44 when she was defeated in the opening 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.