Venus Williams will become the oldest women’s player to feature at the Australian Open this month after receiving the final wildcard for the event.
The 45-year-old has competed sporadically on the WTA Tour over the last few seasons and has only appeared at tournaments in the US since 2023.
Last season, Williams made her return to action at the Washington Open, where she claimed her first singles win in 16 months over Peyton Stearns.
How far will Venus Williams go at the Australian Open?
Then, the American entered the Cincinnati Open before competing in singles, doubles and mixed doubles at the US Open.
Williams will now play at Melbourne Park for the first time since 2021, when she made her 21st Australian Open appearance.
Venus Williams’ last campaign at the Australian Open in 2021
The 2020 season saw Williams fail to pick up a Grand Slam win in a calendar year for the first time in her career.
She crashed out in the opening round of the Australian Open, Roland Garros and the US Open, with Wimbledon not held due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Williams’ dry spell at majors finally ended Down Under in 2021, however, where she made history with her first round triumph.
In straight sets, she defeated Kirsten Flipkens of Belgium to become the first woman since Martina Navratilova in 2004 to win a Grand Slam singles match after turning 40 years old.
Her run at the tournament ended in the second round when she fell to Sara Errani in a heavy 6-1, 6-0 loss.
During the match with Errani, Williams battled with an injury and required two medical timeouts before hobbling off the court in the end in tears.
Venus Williams’ message after the tearful exit in 2021
After finishing the match in pain, Williams took to Instagram to post an emotional message.
She said: “You can’t always prepare for the triumph or the disaster in sports or in life. You can’t control it all.
“What you can control is how you handle the ups and the downs. No matter the outcome, I always hold my head high, and I leave everything I have on the court.
“I never look back in regret because no matter the odds I give it all. You don’t have to look back when you leave it all out there. Always look forward, the deepest dream you have could be.”
Before her appearance at this year’s Australian Open, Williams will compete at the Hobart International.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
