Venus Williams Receives Wildcard for Australian Open at 45

Venus Williams Sets Record as Oldest Competitor in Australian Open History

American tennis player Venus Williams has been granted a wildcard to compete in the Australian Open, making her the oldest woman to participate in this Grand Slam tournament at the age of 45. With seven Grand Slam singles titles to her name, Williams will compete in the main draw at Melbourne Park for the first time since 2021.

"I am excited to return to Australia and look forward to competing in the Australian summer," Williams said on Friday. "I have had so many incredible memories there and am grateful for the opportunity to return to a place that has meant so much to my career."

A five-time Wimbledon champion and a two-time US Open winner, Williams was a finalist at the Australian Open in 2003 and 2017. She will become the oldest player to compete at the Australian Open, surpassing Japanese player Kimiko Date, who was 44 years old when she lost in the first round in 2015.

Williams, a four-time doubles champion at the Australian Open, will begin her preparations for the tournament, which takes place from January 18 to February 1, at the Auckland Classic next week. She returned to the circuit at the US Open last year after a 16-month hiatus and will participate in the Hobart International just before heading to Melbourne.

Coco Gauff, a two-time Grand Slam champion and her fellow American, stated it is "incredible" to see Williams continue to compete in tournaments. "She is a legend of the sport, so it will be exciting to see her back in action," Gauff said. "Her career longevity is amazing. She is one of the people I have admired, and I look forward to seeing her on the court again."