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

A Landmark Return to the Australian Courts

Tournament officials confirmed on the weekend that the forty-five-year-old legend will grace the courts again at Melbourne Park a remarkable 28 years after her debut. Back in 1998, she overcame her sibling Serena in the early stage before exiting in the quarter-finals to fellow American Lindsay Davenport.

Gearing Up for the Australian Summer

Venus had previously revealed in November her intention to compete in Auckland, New Zealand, where she was likewise awarded a wild card, two weeks before the Melbourne event. The Australian Open 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 most recent visit in the city was in 2021, and she has finished runner-up in the singles competition on two separate instances, falling short against Serena in the finals of 2003 as well as 2017.

"I’m excited to be back in Australia and looking forward to playing during the Australian summer," Venus said. "I’ve had so many incredible moments there, and I’m grateful for the chance to go back to a place that has been so significant to my professional journey."

Statistical Highlights

Williams' overall record at the Australian Open stands at an impressive 54 wins and 21 defeats. This year will represent the 22nd time she has competed in the primary tournament field.

Establishing a Fresh Benchmark

Officials pointed out that Williams is poised to be the oldest woman to compete in an Open's main draw, surpassing the record previously held by Japanese Kimiko Date, who was 44 when she was defeated in the first round at Melbourne Park in 2015.

Latest Life Event

In the final days of December, Williams wed Danish-born actor and model Andrea Preti in Palm Beach, Florida.