After her Grand Slam comeback at the US Open, the 45-year-old is also set to compete in Melbourne.
No one has ever been older: at 45, Venus Williams is expected to break the record for the oldest player at the upcoming Australian Open. The American will be competing in the first Grand Slam of the year thanks to the last wild card available, as announced by the organizers on Friday. “I am very happy to be back in Australia and can’t wait to compete in this tournament in the Australian summer,” said Williams, who has reached the singles final twice in Melbourne and won the doubles title four times.
Williams grateful for return to Australian Open
With her serve Down Under, Williams will surpass Japan’s Kimiko Date, who at 44 was the oldest participant to date. “I have so many incredible memories of this place and am grateful for the opportunity to return to a place that has played such an important role in my career,” said the seven-time Grand Slam winner, looking back. She was already there on a wild card when she was knocked out in the first round of the US Open in August. Williams had already returned to the tour in July at the DC Open after a year and a half without playing. For the older of the two Williams sisters, this is her first main draw at the Australian Open since 2021. Round one starts on January 18.