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A 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 the 18th of January in the city of Melbourne.

A Landmark Comeback to the Australian Courts

Tournament officials announced on the weekend that the 45-year-old legend will grace the courts again at Melbourne Park a remarkable 28 years after her first appearance. Back in 1998, she overcame her sibling Serena in the second round before exiting in the last eight to compatriot Lindsay Davenport.

Preparing for the Australian Summer

The tennis star had previously revealed in November her plans to compete in Auckland, New Zealand, where she was likewise awarded a special entry, a fortnight before the Australian Open. The Australian Open noted that Williams is also entered to participate in Hobart, Australia a week later, 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, falling short against Serena in the championship matches of 2003 and 2017.

"I am thrilled to return in Australia and looking forward to competing during the Australian summer," Venus said. "I’ve had so many unforgettable memories there, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to go back to a venue that has been so significant to my career."

By the Numbers

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

Setting a Fresh Benchmark

Officials indicated that Williams is set to become the oldest woman to compete in an Open's main draw, eclipsing the mark formerly set by Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was forty-four when she was defeated in the first round at Melbourne Park in 2015.

Recent Personal Milestone

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