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Seven-time Grand Slam title holder Venus Williams has secured a special invitation for the first Grand Slam of the year, commencing on January 18 in the city of Melbourne.

A Landmark Return to the Australian Courts

Tournament officials announced on the weekend that the forty-five-year-old icon will grace the courts again at Melbourne Park a remarkable 28 years after her debut. During 1998, she overcame her sibling Serena in the second round before bowing out in the last eight 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 Australian Open. The Australian Open noted that Williams is scheduled to participate in Hobart, Australia a following week, just before the start of play at the main venue.

Her most recent visit in Melbourne was in 2021, and she has finished runner-up 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 the country and looking forward to playing during the Australian summer," Venus stated. "I have experienced so many unforgettable moments there, and I’m grateful for the chance to go back to a venue that has been so significant to my career."

By the Numbers

Williams' career statistics at Melbourne Park stands at an impressive 54 victories and 21 losses. The upcoming edition will represent the twenty-second occasion she has competed in the main draw.

Establishing a New Record

The tournament pointed out that Williams is poised to be the oldest woman to take part in an Open's singles competition, 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.

Latest Personal Milestone

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