The Legendary Williams, Awarded Wild Card for Her Initial Melbourne Major in Five Years.

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

A Landmark Return to Melbourne Park

The event organizers confirmed on the weekend that the forty-five-year-old icon will make a return at the tournament venue a staggering 28 years after her debut. During 1998, she defeated her younger sister Serena in the second round before exiting in the last eight to compatriot Lindsay Davenport.

Preparing for the Australian Summer

The tennis star had earlier stated in the month of November her plans 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 also entered to participate in Australia's Hobart International a following week, just before the start of play at Melbourne Park.

Her last appearance in the city was in 2021, and she has been a finalist in the singles competition on two occasions, losing to Serena in the championship matches of 2003 and 2017.

"I am thrilled to be back in the country and eagerly anticipating competing during the Australian summer," Venus stated. "I’ve had so many unforgettable moments there, and I’m thankful for the opportunity to go back to a place that has been so significant to my career."

By the Numbers

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

Establishing a New Record

Officials indicated that Williams is set to become the oldest woman to take part in an Australian Open main draw, eclipsing the mark formerly set by Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was forty-four when she was defeated in the opening round at the venue in 2015.

Latest Personal Milestone

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