Venus Williams, a seven-time major singles champion, became the oldest woman to compete at the season-opening Grand Slam on Friday when she was granted a wildcard to the Australian Open at the age of 45.
For the first time since 2021, the American will participate in Melbourne Park’s main draw.
“I’m excited to be back in Australia and looking forward to competing during the Australian summer. I’ve had so many incredible memories there and I’m grateful for the opportunity to return to a place that has meant so much to my career,” Williams said.
Williams, who has won two US Opens and five Wimbledon titles, advanced to the Australian Open singles finals in 2003 and 2017.
She will be the oldest female competitor at the Australian Open since Kimiko Date of Japan, who lost in the opening round in 2015 at the age of 44.
After returning to the circuit at the US Open last year following a 16-month hiatus, Williams, a four-time Australian Open doubles champion, will start preparing for the January 18–February 1 competition at the Auckland Classic next week.
