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Seven-time Grand Slam singles champion 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

The event organizers confirmed on the weekend that the 45-year-old legend will grace the courts again at Melbourne Park a staggering 28 years after her debut. During 1998, she defeated her younger sister Serena in the early stage before exiting in the quarter-finals to compatriot Lindsay Davenport.

Preparing for the Australian Summer

Venus had previously revealed in the month of November her plans to compete in Auckland, New Zealand, where she also received a wild card, two weeks prior to the Melbourne event. Organizers added that Williams is scheduled to participate in Hobart, Australia a following week, just before the action begins at the main venue.

Her last appearance in Melbourne was in 2021, and she has been a finalist in the women’s singles on two occasions, losing to Serena in the championship matches of 2003 as well as 2017.

"I’m excited to be back in Australia and looking forward to playing during the Australian summer," Williams said. "I’ve had so many incredible moments there, and I’m thankful for the opportunity to go back to a place that has meant so much to my professional journey."

Statistical Highlights

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.

Establishing a New Record

The tournament indicated that Williams is poised to be the oldest woman to compete in an Open's main draw, surpassing the mark previously held by Japanese Kimiko Date, who was forty-four when she lost in the first round at Melbourne Park in 2015.

Recent Life Event

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