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

Historic Comeback to Melbourne Park

Tournament officials confirmed on the weekend that the 45-year-old icon will make a return at Melbourne Park a remarkable 28 years after her debut. During 1998, she defeated her sibling Serena in the early stage before exiting in the last eight to fellow American Lindsay Davenport.

Gearing Up for the Summer Swing

The tennis star had previously revealed in November her plans to compete in Auckland, New Zealand, where she also received a wild card, a fortnight prior to the Australian Open. The Australian Open added that Williams is also entered to participate in Australia's Hobart International a week later, just before the action begins at the main venue.

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 and 2017.

"I’m excited to be back in the country and looking forward to playing during the Australian summer," Williams stated. "I have experienced so many unforgettable memories there, and I’m thankful for the chance to return to a place that has meant so much to my professional journey."

By the Numbers

Williams' overall record at the Australian Open stands at an notable 54 wins and 21 defeats. The upcoming edition will mark the 22nd time she has competed in the primary tournament field.

Setting a Fresh Benchmark

The tournament pointed out that Williams is set to become the oldest woman to take part in an Open's main draw, eclipsing the mark previously held by Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was forty-four when she lost in the opening round at the venue in 2015.

Latest Life Event

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