Venus Williams, 45, Awarded Special Entry for First Melbourne Major in Five Years.

A seven-time Grand Slam singles champion Venus Williams has secured a special invitation for the first Grand Slam of the year, which kicks off on the 18th of January in Melbourne.

A Landmark Return to the Australian Courts

Tournament officials confirmed on Friday that the forty-five-year-old icon will make a return at Melbourne Park a staggering 28 years after her debut. During 1998, she defeated her younger sister Serena in the second round before bowing out in the last eight to compatriot Lindsay Davenport.

Gearing Up for the Australian Summer

Venus had previously revealed in November her plans to play in New Zealand's Auckland Classic, where she was likewise awarded a special entry, a fortnight before the Australian Open. The Australian Open noted that Williams is also entered to play a tournament in Hobart, Australia a following week, just before the start of play at Melbourne Park.

Her most recent visit in the city was in the year 2021, and she has finished runner-up in the women’s singles on two separate instances, losing to Serena in the championship matches of 2003 as well as 2017.

"I’m excited to be back in the country and looking forward to competing during the Australian summer," Williams stated. "I have experienced so many unforgettable memories there, and I’m thankful for the chance to go back to a venue that has been so significant to my professional journey."

By the Numbers

Williams' overall record at the Australian Open stands at an impressive 54 wins and 21 losses. The upcoming edition will represent the 22nd time she has appeared in the primary tournament field.

Establishing a Fresh Benchmark

The tournament indicated that Williams is set to become the oldest woman to take part in an Australian Open singles competition, surpassing the record formerly set by Japanese Kimiko Date, who was 44 when she was defeated in the first round at the venue in 2015.

Recent Personal Milestone

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