Venus Williams, Receives Special Entry for Her Initial Australian Open in Half a Decade.
A seven-time Grand Slam title holder Venus Williams has been granted a special invitation for the first Grand Slam of the year, which kicks off on the 18th of January in the city of Melbourne.
Historic Return to the Australian Courts
Tournament officials confirmed on Friday that the 45-year-old legend will make a return at Melbourne Park a staggering 28 years after her first appearance. During 1998, she defeated her younger sister Serena in the second round 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 intention to play in New Zealand's Auckland Classic, where she also received a special entry, a fortnight before the Melbourne event. Organizers noted that Williams is scheduled to play a tournament in Australia's Hobart International a week later, immediately prior to the action begins at Melbourne Park.
Her most recent visit in Melbourne was in 2021, and she has been a finalist in the singles competition on two separate instances, losing to Serena in the finals of 2003 as well as 2017.
"I’m excited to return in the country and looking forward to playing during the summer season," Venus stated. "I have experienced so many unforgettable moments there, and I’m grateful for the chance to return to a venue that has meant so much to my professional journey."
By the Numbers
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 appeared in the primary tournament field.
Setting a Fresh Benchmark
The tournament pointed out that Williams is poised to be the most senior female player to take part in an Open's main draw, surpassing the record previously held by Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was forty-four when she lost in the opening round at Melbourne Park in 2015.
Latest Life Event
In the final days of December, Williams married Denmark-born actor and model Andrea Preti in Florida's Palm Beach.
