Venus Williams, Awarded Wild Card for First Melbourne Major in Five Years.
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 Return to the Australian Courts
The event organizers announced on the weekend that the forty-five-year-old legend will make a return at the tournament venue a staggering 28 years after her debut. Back in 1998, she defeated her younger sister Serena in the second round before exiting in the last eight to fellow American Lindsay Davenport.
Preparing for the Australian Summer
Venus had previously revealed in the month of November her plans to compete in Auckland, New Zealand, where she also received a wild card, two weeks prior to the Melbourne event. Organizers added that Williams is scheduled to play a tournament in Hobart, Australia a week later, just before the action begins at the main venue.
Her most recent visit 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 as well as 2017.
"I’m excited to be back in the country and looking forward to playing during the summer season," Williams said. "I’ve had so many incredible memories there, and I’m thankful for the opportunity to return to a venue that has meant so much to my career."
Statistical Highlights
Williams' overall record at Melbourne Park stands at an impressive 54 wins and 21 losses. This year will represent the twenty-second occasion she has appeared in the main draw.
Establishing a New Record
The tournament indicated that Williams is set to become the oldest woman to take part in an Australian Open singles competition, eclipsing the mark formerly set by Japanese Kimiko Date, who was forty-four when she was defeated in the opening round at the venue in 2015.
Recent Life Event
In late December, Williams wed Danish-born model and actor Andrea Preti in Palm Beach, Florida.
