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Seven-time Grand Slam title holder Venus Williams has been granted a wild-card entry for the Australian Open, which kicks off on January 18 in Melbourne.

Historic Return to the Australian Courts

Tournament officials confirmed on the weekend that the forty-five-year-old icon will make a return at Melbourne Park 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 quarter-finals to compatriot Lindsay Davenport.

Gearing Up 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 special entry, two weeks prior to the Melbourne event. The Australian Open added that Williams is also entered to participate in Hobart, Australia a week later, immediately prior to the start of play at Melbourne Park.

Her most recent visit in the city was in 2021, and she has been a finalist in the singles competition on two occasions, falling short against Serena in the finals of 2003 as well as 2017.

"I’m excited to be back in the country and eagerly anticipating competing 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 venue that has been so significant to my professional journey."

By the Numbers

Williams' career statistics at Melbourne Park stands at an impressive 54 victories and 21 losses. The upcoming edition will mark the 22nd time she has competed in the primary tournament field.

Establishing a New Record

The tournament pointed out that Williams is set to become the most senior female player to take part in an Open's singles competition, eclipsing the record previously held by Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was forty-four when she was defeated in the opening round at the venue in 2015.

Recent Life Event

In the final days of December, Williams wed Danish-born model and actor Andrea Preti in Florida's Palm Beach.