Venus Williams, Awarded Special Entry for Her Initial Melbourne Major in Five Years.
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.
A Landmark Return to the Australian Courts
Tournament officials confirmed on the weekend 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 defeated her sibling Serena in the early stage before bowing out in the quarter-finals to compatriot Lindsay Davenport.
Preparing for the Summer Swing
The tennis star had previously revealed in the month of November her plans to compete in Auckland, New Zealand, where she also received a special entry, a fortnight before the Australian Open. Organizers added that Williams is scheduled to participate in Hobart, Australia a following week, immediately prior to the action begins 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 finals of 2003 and 2017.
"I am thrilled to return in Australia and eagerly anticipating competing during the Australian summer," Williams said. "I have experienced so many unforgettable memories there, and I’m thankful for the opportunity to return to a venue that has been so significant to my professional journey."
By the Numbers
Williams' career statistics at the Australian Open stands at an notable 54 victories and 21 losses. This year will represent the twenty-second occasion she has competed in the primary tournament field.
Setting a New Record
The tournament indicated that Williams is poised to be the most senior female player to take part in an Open's singles competition, eclipsing the record previously held by Japanese Kimiko Date, who was forty-four when she lost in the first round at the venue in 2015.
Latest Life Event
In the final days of December, Williams wed Danish-born model and actor Andrea Preti in Florida's Palm Beach.
