Venus Williams, 45, Awarded Special Entry for First Australian Open in Half a Decade.

Seven-time Grand Slam singles champion Venus Williams has been granted a special invitation for the Australian Open, commencing on January 18 in the city of Melbourne.

A Landmark Return to the Australian Courts

The event organizers confirmed on the weekend that the forty-five-year-old icon will grace the courts again at the tournament venue a remarkable 28 years after her first appearance. During 1998, she overcame her younger sister Serena in the early stage before bowing out in the last eight to compatriot Lindsay Davenport.

Gearing Up for the Australian Summer

Venus had previously revealed in the month of November her intention to play in New Zealand's Auckland Classic, where she was likewise awarded a special entry, a fortnight before the Melbourne event. Organizers noted that Williams is scheduled to play a tournament in Hobart, Australia a week later, immediately prior to the action begins at Melbourne Park.

Her most recent visit in Melbourne was in 2021, and she has finished runner-up in the women’s singles on two separate instances, losing to Serena in the championship matches of 2003 as well as 2017.

"I’m excited to return in the country and looking forward to competing during the summer season," Venus said. "I’ve had so many unforgettable moments there, and I’m grateful for the chance to go back to a place that has been so significant to my professional journey."

By the Numbers

Williams' overall record at the Australian Open stands at an impressive 54 wins and 21 defeats. This year will mark the 22nd time she has appeared in the main draw.

Establishing a New Record

The tournament indicated that Williams is poised to be the most senior female player to compete in an Australian Open singles competition, surpassing the mark formerly set by Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was forty-four when she lost in the first round at Melbourne Park in 2015.

Recent Personal Milestone

In late December, Williams wed Denmark-born model and actor Andrea Preti in Florida's Palm Beach.