At a Glance
- 45-year-old Venus Williams receives wild-card entry for the Australian Open.
- She will return to Melbourne Park for the 22nd time, 28 years after her first appearance.
- Williams will become the oldest woman to play in an Australian Open main draw, surpassing Kimiko Date’s 44-year record.
- Why it matters: Her comeback highlights longevity in tennis and adds excitement to the Australian Open.
Venus Williams, the seven-time Grand Slam champion, has secured a wild-card spot for the Australian Open starting Jan. 18, marking a historic return to Melbourne Park after 28 years. The 45-year-old will be the oldest woman to compete in the main draw, and her recent tournaments in Auckland and Hobart set the stage for her comeback.
Return to Melbourne Park
Williams will re-enter Melbourne Park for the 22nd time, adding to her 54-win, 21-loss record at the venue. Her last appearance was in 2021, and she has finished runner-up twice, losing to Serena in 2003 and 2017.
Upcoming Tournaments
Prior to the Open, Williams played in Auckland, where she received a wild-card, and will compete in Hobart a week before the main event.
- Auckland, New Zealand – wild-card entry
- Hobart, Australia – pre-Open tournament
Historical Milestones
Williams will surpass Kimiko Date, who held the record at age 44 when she lost in the first round in 2015.
| Metric | Wins | Losses |
|---|---|---|
| Melbourne Park | 54 | 21 |
Personal Highlights
In late December, Williams married Danish-born model and actor Andrea Preti in Palm Beach, Florida.
Venus Williams said:
> “I’m excited to be back in Australia and looking forward to competing during the Australian summer,”
Venus Williams said:
> “I’ve had so many incredible memories there, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to return to a place that has meant so much to my career.”
Key Takeaways
- Venus Williams will compete at age 45, making her the oldest Australian Open main-draw player.
- She returns to Melbourne Park 28 years after her first appearance, with a 54-21 record.
- Her recent tournaments in Auckland and Hobart set the stage for a historic comeback.
With a storied career and a personal milestone of marriage, Williams’ return adds both nostalgia and excitement to the Australian Open’s opening week.
