Seven-time major singles champion Venus Williams was handed a wildcard to the Australian Open aged 45 on Friday, becoming the oldest woman ever to play at the season-opening Grand Slam.
The American will compete in the main draw at Melbourne Park for the first time since 2021.
¡°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.¡±
An Australian Open singles finalist in 2003 and 2017, Williams is a five-time Wimbledon champion and also won two US Opens.
She will become the oldest woman to play at the Australian Open, surpassing the record previously held by Japan¡¯s Kimiko Date, who was 44 when she lost in the first round in 2015.
Williams, a four-time Australian Open doubles champion, is set to begin her preparations for the January 18-Feb 1 tournament at the Auckland Classic next week, having returned to the circuit at the US Open last year after a 16-month break.
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