Venus Williams, Receives Special Entry for First Melbourne Major in Half a Decade.

A seven-time Grand Slam title holder Venus Williams has secured a special invitation for the Australian Open, commencing on January 18 in Melbourne.

A Landmark Comeback to Melbourne Park

The event organizers announced on Friday that the forty-five-year-old icon will grace the courts again at the tournament venue a staggering 28 years after her debut. Back in 1998, she overcame her younger sister Serena in the early stage before exiting in the quarter-finals to compatriot Lindsay Davenport.

Preparing for the Summer Swing

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

Her last appearance in the city was in 2021, and she has been a finalist in the women’s singles on two separate instances, losing to Serena in the championship matches of 2003 as well as 2017.

"I am thrilled to return in Australia and looking forward to competing during the Australian summer," Williams stated. "I’ve had so many unforgettable memories there, and I’m thankful for the chance to go back to a venue that has been so significant to my career."

By the Numbers

Williams' career statistics at the Australian Open stands at an impressive 54 victories and 21 defeats. The upcoming edition will mark the 22nd time she has appeared in the primary tournament field.

Setting a Fresh Benchmark

The tournament pointed out that Williams is poised to be the oldest woman to compete in an Australian Open singles competition, surpassing the record formerly set by Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was 44 when she was defeated in the first round at Melbourne Park in 2015.

Latest Life Event

In the final days of December, Williams wed Danish-born actor and model Andrea Preti in Palm Beach, Florida.