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A seven-time Grand Slam title holder Venus Williams has been granted a wild-card entry for the Australian Open, which kicks off on January 18 in Melbourne.

Historic Comeback to Melbourne Park

The event organizers confirmed on Friday that the forty-five-year-old legend will grace the courts again at Melbourne Park a remarkable 28 years after her debut. During 1998, she defeated her younger sister Serena in the second round before bowing out in the quarter-finals to compatriot Lindsay Davenport.

Gearing Up for the Australian Summer

The tennis star had previously revealed in the month of November her intention to compete in New Zealand's Auckland Classic, where she also received a special entry, a fortnight prior to the Melbourne event. The Australian Open noted that Williams is scheduled to play a tournament in Australia's Hobart International a week later, immediately prior to the action begins at Melbourne Park.

Her most recent visit in the city was in 2021, and she has finished runner-up in the singles competition on two occasions, losing to Serena in the finals of 2003 and 2017.

"I am thrilled to return in Australia and eagerly anticipating competing during the summer season," Williams stated. "I have experienced so many unforgettable moments there, and I’m thankful for the opportunity to return to a place that has been so significant to my career."

By the Numbers

Williams' overall record at Melbourne Park stands at an notable 54 victories and 21 defeats. The upcoming edition will represent the twenty-second occasion she has appeared in the main draw.

Setting a New Record

Officials indicated that Williams is poised to be the oldest woman to take part in an Open's main draw, eclipsing the mark formerly set by Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was forty-four when she was defeated in the opening round at the venue in 2015.

Recent Life Event

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