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Seven-time Grand Slam singles champion Venus Williams has been granted a special invitation for the first Grand Slam of the year, commencing on the 18th of January in Melbourne.

Historic Comeback to Melbourne Park

The event organizers confirmed on the weekend that the forty-five-year-old icon will make a return at Melbourne Park a staggering 28 years after her first appearance. During 1998, she overcame her sibling Serena in the early stage before exiting in the last eight to fellow American Lindsay Davenport.

Gearing Up for the Australian Summer

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

Her last appearance in Melbourne was in the year 2021, and she has been a finalist in the singles competition on two occasions, losing to Serena in the finals of 2003 as well as 2017.

"I am thrilled to be back in Australia and looking forward to competing during the summer season," Williams said. "I’ve had so many incredible moments there, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to return to a place that has been so significant to my career."

By the Numbers

Williams' overall record at the Australian Open stands at an impressive 54 wins and 21 defeats. The upcoming edition will mark the 22nd time she has competed in the primary tournament field.

Establishing a New Record

The tournament indicated that Williams is poised to be the oldest woman to take part in an Australian Open main draw, eclipsing the record formerly set by Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was forty-four when she was defeated in the first round at Melbourne Park in 2015.

Latest Personal Milestone

In the final days of December, Williams married Denmark-born model and actor Andrea Preti in Florida's Palm Beach.