Venus Williams Makes History With Australian Open Wildcard At 45

Seven-time major singles champion Venus Williams will return to the Australian Open this month after being handed a wildcard, a move that makes her the oldest woman ever to compete at the season-opening Grand Slam.

Venus Williams, 45, will feature in the main draw at Melbourne Park for the first time since 2021, adding another chapter to a career that has already reshaped women’s tennis.

“I’m excited to be back in Australia and looking forward to competing during the Australian summer,” said Williams.

“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’ record speaks for itself. She is a five-time Wimbledon Championships winner and a two-time US Open champion. At the Australian Open, she reached the singles final in 2003 and again in 2017, while also lifting the doubles trophy on four occasions.

Her appearance in Melbourne will see her surpass the previous age mark held by Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was 44 when she made her final Australian Open outing in 2015.

Despite playing only sparingly in singles in recent years, Williams has carefully mapped out her return to the Australian summer.

She is set to open her campaign at the Auckland Classic next week before heading to the Hobart International, which serves as her final tune-up ahead of Melbourne.

Her comeback gathered further momentum after she returned to competitive action at the US Open last year following a 16-month absence.

The prospect of Williams back on court has been warmly welcomed across the tour. Fellow American and two-time Grand Slam champion Coco Gauff described the moment as special.

The Australian Open begins on January 18 and runs through February 1.