- Tournament’s main draw starts on January 18
Venus Williams is set to become the oldest woman to compete in a major event after receiving a wildcard for her 22nd tilt at the Australian Open.
Williams, now 45 years old, has made two Australian Open finals in her career.
She first competed in the main draw Down Under in 1998, when she reached the quarter-final stage at just 17.
The seven-time grand slam champion has been competing in fewer tournaments as she has moved into her 40s.
However, she remains hungry and still enjoys competing at the highest level.
Williams last appeared in Melbourne in 2021, and finished as runner-up to her sister, 23-time major champion Serena Williams, in two of the Aussie slams.
Venus Williams (pictured) will compete in the Australian Open for the 22nd time this month
The 45-year-old lost to her sister Serena Williams (pictured) in the 2017 Australian Open final
Williams (pictured) still has the desire to play tennis professionally despite being active on the pro tour from the age of 14
‘I’m excited to be back in Australia and looking forward to competing during the Australian summer,’ the 45-year-old said.
‘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.’
Williams’ record at Melbourne Park stands at 54 wins and 21 losses, and she’ll surpass the record previously held by Japan’s Kimiko Date Krumm.
Krumm was 44 years old when she lost in the first round at Melbourne Park in 2015.
Williams also competed in the US Open in 2025, and took a set off 11th-seeded Karolína Muchová before losing in round one.
Weeks earlier, she became the oldest woman to win a WTA main draw match by beating Peyton Stearns at the Citi Open in Washington.