The American tennis player Venus Williams will play the Australian Open for the first time in five years, after receive the eighth and final women’s wildcard for the Melbourne tournament.
This is a historic surprise: the former world number one and current 581st in the WTA ranking received the last invitation to compete in the main draw of the first Grand Slam of the season, which It will start on January 18 and end on February 1. At 45 years old, Williams will return to play a major after a prolonged absence.
With this wildcard, the eldest of the Williams sisters will return to a tournament she has not played since 2021, becoming the oldest woman to compete at the Australian Open on hard court. In this way, it will surpass the record held by the Japanese Chemical Datewho participated with 44 years old and fell in the first round in 2015.
After learning of the invitation, Venus was excited about her return: “I am excited to return to Australia and looking forward to competing during the Australian summer. I have so many incredible memories from there and I’m grateful for the opportunity to return to a place that has meant so much to my career.”, he commented.
With five Wimbledon titles and two US Open titlesVenus Williams’ track record is one of the most notable in women’s tennis. At the Australian Open he has been a finalist twice, in 2003 and 2017, although he has not yet managed to win the trophy.
Along with her sister Serena, she was a four-time doubles champion in Melbourne, in the 2001, 2003, 2009 and 2010 editions.
Venus, back in the elite
For Craig Tiley, director of the Australian Open, “Venus is a true legend and pioneer of our sport; He is an inspiration to all of us. “I am delighted to see her again on the court, both at the Hobart International and at the Australian Open,” declared the tournament organizer.
As part of its preparation, Venus will compete in the Auckland tournament, in New Zealand, which will take place between January 5 and 11.
While Williams was the last to receive an invitation, the other seven tennis players who entered the main draw via wildcard are Elizabeth Mandlik, Zarina Diyas, Tiantsoa Sarah Rakotomanga, Emerson Jones, Priscilla Hon, Talia Gibson and Taylah Preston.
