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A seven-time Grand Slam singles champion Venus Williams has been granted a wild-card entry for the Australian Open, which kicks off on January 18 in the city of Melbourne.

A Landmark Comeback to Melbourne Park

The event organizers announced on Friday that the forty-five-year-old legend will grace the courts again at the tournament venue a remarkable 28 years after her debut. Back in 1998, she defeated her sibling Serena in the early stage before exiting in the last eight to fellow American Lindsay Davenport.

Gearing Up for the Australian Summer

Venus had earlier stated in November her intention to play in Auckland, New Zealand, where she was likewise awarded a special entry, a fortnight prior to the Melbourne event. Organizers added that Williams is also entered to play a tournament in Hobart, Australia a following week, immediately prior to the start of play at the main venue.

Her last appearance in the city was in the year 2021, and she has finished runner-up in the women’s singles on two occasions, losing to Serena in the finals of 2003 as well as 2017.

"I’m excited to be back in the country and eagerly anticipating playing during the Australian summer," Venus stated. "I have experienced so many unforgettable memories there, and I’m grateful for the chance to go back to a place that has been so significant to my professional journey."

By the Numbers

Williams' overall record at the Australian Open stands at an impressive 54 victories and 21 defeats. The upcoming edition will represent the twenty-second occasion she has competed in the main draw.

Setting a Fresh Benchmark

The tournament indicated that Williams is set to become the oldest woman to compete in an Open's main draw, eclipsing the record formerly set by Japanese Kimiko Date, who was forty-four when she was defeated in the first round at the venue in 2015.

Recent Life Event

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