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Seven-time Grand Slam title holder Venus Williams has been granted a wild-card entry for the first Grand Slam of the year, which kicks off on the 18th of January in the city of Melbourne.

Historic Return to Melbourne Park

The event organizers confirmed on Friday that the 45-year-old legend will make a return at Melbourne Park a staggering 28 years after her first appearance. Back in 1998, she defeated her sibling Serena in the second round before exiting in the quarter-finals to compatriot Lindsay Davenport.

Preparing for the Australian Summer

Venus had previously revealed in the month of November her intention to play in Auckland, New Zealand, where she was likewise awarded a wild card, a fortnight prior to the Melbourne event. The Australian Open added that Williams is scheduled to participate in Hobart, Australia a following week, immediately prior to the start of play at Melbourne Park.

Her last appearance in the city was in the year 2021, and she has finished runner-up in the singles competition on two separate instances, losing to Serena in the championship matches of 2003 and 2017.

"I am thrilled to return in the country and looking forward to competing during the summer season," Williams stated. "I have experienced so many incredible memories there, and I’m thankful for the opportunity to go back to a place that has meant so much to my professional journey."

Statistical Highlights

Williams' overall record at Melbourne Park stands at an impressive 54 victories and 21 losses. This year will represent the 22nd time she has appeared in the main draw.

Setting a Fresh Benchmark

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

Recent Personal Milestone

In late December, Williams married Danish-born actor and model Andrea Preti in Florida's Palm Beach.