Venus Williams hasn’t had enough yet. The American star tennis player received a wildcard for the Australian Open and will celebrate her comeback after five years at the first Grand Slam tournament of the year in Melbourne (from January 18th). The organizers announced that the 45-year-old would be celebrating her return to Melbourne Park 28 years after her debut there, in 1998 she made it to the quarter-finals. Williams himself posted a story on Instagram. “See you at the Australian Open this year,” she shared.
“I am very happy to be back in Australia and playing in the Australian summer,” Venus Williams was quoted as saying in the statement. “I have such incredible memories of it and I am grateful for the opportunity to return to the place that has meant so much to my career.”
Unlike her sister Serena, seven-time Grand Slam winner Venus Williams has never won in Australia. In 2003 and 2017 she lost in the final – against Serena. In total, she celebrated 54 game wins there. “Venus is a true legend and pioneer of our sport – she is an inspiration to us all,” said tournament director Craig Tiley.
This makes her the oldest participant in history
According to organizers, Venus Williams will be the oldest participant ever to be in the main draw. So far this has been the Japanese Kimiko Date, who was eliminated in the first round in 2015 at the age of 44.
Venus Williams, who has been married to Italian actor Andrea Preti since last September, wants to prepare for her 22nd participation in the Australian Open at a tournament in Hobart. She returned to the tour last summer after a uterine operation and a break of around 16 months from tournaments. After starts in Washington and Cincinnati, she caused a stir at the US Open, but was eliminated in round one despite an impressive performance.
