🔗 Share this article Venus Williams, Receives Special Entry for First Australian Open in Five Years. Seven-time Grand Slam singles champion Venus Williams has secured a special invitation for the Australian Open, commencing on January 18 in the city of Melbourne. Historic Return to the Australian Courts The event organizers confirmed on the weekend that the 45-year-old icon will make a return at Melbourne Park a remarkable 28 years after her first appearance. During 1998, she defeated her sibling Serena in the second round before bowing out in the quarter-finals to fellow American Lindsay Davenport. Gearing Up for the Australian Summer The tennis star had previously revealed in the month of November her intention to compete in Auckland, New Zealand, where she was likewise awarded a special entry, a fortnight before the Australian Open. The Australian Open noted that Williams is also entered to play a tournament in Australia's Hobart International a following week, immediately prior to the start of play at the main venue. Her last appearance in Melbourne was in the year 2021, and she has been a finalist in the women’s singles on two separate instances, losing to Serena in the finals of 2003 and 2017. "I’m excited to be back in the country and looking forward to playing during the Australian summer," Williams stated. "I’ve had so many unforgettable moments there, and I’m grateful for the chance to return to a place that has meant so much to my professional journey." By the Numbers Williams' career statistics at Melbourne Park stands at an impressive 54 victories and 21 defeats. The upcoming edition will represent the twenty-second occasion she has competed in the primary tournament field. Establishing a New Record The tournament pointed out that Williams is poised to be the oldest woman to compete in an Open's singles competition, eclipsing the record previously held by Japanese Kimiko Date, who was forty-four when she was defeated in the opening round at the venue in 2015. Latest Life Event In late December, Williams wed Denmark-born model and actor Andrea Preti in Palm Beach, Florida.