🔗 Share this article The Legendary Williams, 45, Awarded Wild Card for Her Initial Melbourne Major in Five Years. Seven-time Grand Slam singles champion Venus Williams has been granted a wild-card entry for the first Grand Slam of the year, commencing on the 18th of January in the city of Melbourne. A Landmark Comeback to the Australian Courts The event organizers announced on Friday that the forty-five-year-old icon will make a return at Melbourne Park a staggering 28 years after her first appearance. During 1998, she overcame her younger sister Serena in the second round before exiting in the quarter-finals to fellow American Lindsay Davenport. Preparing for the Summer Swing Venus had previously revealed in November her intention to play in New Zealand's Auckland Classic, where she was likewise awarded a special entry, two weeks prior to the Melbourne event. The Australian Open noted that Williams is also entered to participate in Hobart, Australia a following week, immediately prior to the action begins at Melbourne Park. Her most recent visit in Melbourne was in the year 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 and 2017. "I’m excited to return in Australia and looking forward to playing during the Australian summer," Williams said. "I have experienced so many incredible moments there, and I’m thankful for the chance to go back to a venue that has been so significant to my professional journey." Statistical Highlights Williams' overall record at the Australian Open stands at an impressive 54 victories and 21 defeats. The upcoming edition will mark the 22nd time she has competed in the main draw. Setting a New Record Officials pointed out that Williams is set to become the most senior female player to take part in an Open's singles competition, eclipsing the mark previously held by Japanese Kimiko Date, who was forty-four when she lost in the first round at the venue in 2015. Recent Personal Milestone In the final days of December, Williams married Danish-born actor and model Andrea Preti in Palm Beach, Florida.