The Legendary Williams, 45, Receives Wild Card for Her Initial Melbourne Major in Five Years.

A 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 January 18 in Melbourne.

A Landmark Return to the Australian Courts

The event organizers announced on Friday that the forty-five-year-old legend will grace the courts again at the tournament venue a staggering 28 years after her first appearance. During 1998, she overcame her younger sister Serena in the early stage before bowing out in the quarter-finals to compatriot Lindsay Davenport.

Gearing Up for the Australian Summer

The tennis star had earlier stated in the month of November her intention to play in New Zealand's Auckland Classic, where she also received a special entry, two weeks before the Australian Open. The Australian Open noted that Williams is also entered to participate in Australia's Hobart International a week later, immediately prior to the action begins at the main venue.

Her most recent visit in Melbourne was in 2021, and she has been a finalist in the singles competition on two separate instances, losing to Serena in the finals of 2003 and 2017.

"I am thrilled to return in Australia and eagerly anticipating playing during the Australian summer," Williams said. "I have experienced so many incredible memories there, and I’m grateful for the opportunity 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 defeats. This year will mark the twenty-second occasion she has competed in the main draw.

Establishing a New Record

Officials pointed out that Williams is poised to be the most senior female player to take part in an Australian Open singles competition, surpassing the mark previously held by Japanese Kimiko Date, who was forty-four when she lost in the opening round at the venue in 2015.

Latest Personal Milestone

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