Seven-time Grand Slam singles champion Venus Williams will return to the Australian Open after a five-year absence, having been granted a wild-card entry for the tournament beginning January 18 in Melbourne. Tournament organizers confirmed on Friday that the 45-year-old tennis icon will once again compete at Melbourne Park, marking a remarkable milestone in her career.

Williams’ return comes 28 years after her first appearance at the Australian Open in 1998. In that debut run, she defeated her younger sister Serena Williams in the second round before being eliminated in the quarterfinals by fellow American Lindsay Davenport. Her longevity at the highest level continues to underline her status as one of the sport’s most enduring figures.

The former world No. 1 last played at Melbourne Park in 2021 and has twice finished runner-up at the Australian Open. She reached the finals in 2003 and 2017, losing on both occasions to Serena Williams. Over her career, Venus has compiled an impressive record of 54 wins and 21 losses at the venue.

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In preparation for the Australian Open, Williams has also accepted wild-card entries to warm-up tournaments in Auckland, New Zealand, and Hobart, Australia. These appearances during the Australian summer are expected to help her regain match sharpness ahead of the season’s first Grand Slam.

This year’s tournament will mark Williams’ 22nd appearance in the Australian Open main draw. She is set to become the oldest woman to compete in the event, surpassing the previous record held by Japan’s Kimiko Date, who played at age 44 in 2015. The achievement further cements Williams’ legacy in women’s tennis.

Expressing her excitement, Williams said she was looking forward to returning to Australia, a place closely tied to many memorable moments in her career. Off the court, the tennis legend also entered a new chapter in her personal life, having married Danish-born model and actor Andrea Preti in late December in Palm Beach, Florida.

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