Venus Williams will continue her dramatic return to tennis in 2026, having come back from a 16-month break in 2025.
Williams was coy about playing at the Australian Open, with the decision quickly taken out of her hands by tournament organisers.
WTA legend Williams has received an Australian Open wildcard, with the hard-court Grand Slam set to return later this month.
She is a seven-time Grand Slam singles champion, although American superstar Williams has never won the Australian Open.
How far will Venus Williams go at the Australian Open?
Venus Williams makes smart doubles decision before Australian Open
Now 45, the veteran is using both the ASB Classic and the Hobart International as preparation for the tournament.
And she’s made a smart decision for Melbourne by committing to play doubles at the ASB Classic in Auckland.
The American will play alongside Ukrainian ace Elina Svitolina, and it could turn out to be a stroke of genius for the Australian Open.
It should provide Williams with a chance to sharpen her game for singles, particularly when it comes to the likes of net play and volleys.
She will also welcome the extra fitness opportunity, and simply the extra feel of getting back into the swing of things after the offseason.
Tennis fans should even benefit from her decision, with Williams and Svitolina drawn to face rising stars Alexandra Eala and Iva Jovic in a highly anticipated match.
Which American man and woman do you think will go furthest at the Australian Open?
What is Venus Williams’ history at the Australian Open?
As mentioned, Williams has enjoyed stunning career success at Grand Slam level, but never at the Australian Open.
She has reached the final on two occasions, but lost both the 2003 and 2017 matches to her sister Serena Williams.
But the two sisters have also paired at the tournament to phenomenal success, clinching the doubles title on four occasions.
Serena has since retired from tennis, but Venus is set to have another chance at singles glory in Melbourne this year.
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