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A seven-time Grand Slam title holder Venus Williams has secured a wild-card entry for the Australian Open, commencing on January 18 in Melbourne.

A Landmark Return to the Australian Courts

The event organizers announced on the weekend that the forty-five-year-old legend will make a return at Melbourne Park a staggering 28 years after her debut. Back in 1998, she defeated her younger sister Serena in the early stage before bowing out in the quarter-finals to fellow American Lindsay Davenport.

Preparing for the Australian Summer

Venus had previously revealed in the month of November her plans to compete in Auckland, New Zealand, where she also received a wild card, two weeks before the Australian Open. Organizers noted that Williams is also entered to play a tournament in Hobart, Australia a week later, immediately prior to the start of play at the main venue.

Her last appearance in the city was in 2021, and she has finished runner-up in the singles competition on two occasions, losing to Serena in the championship matches of 2003 as well as 2017.

"I am thrilled to be back in the country and eagerly anticipating playing during the Australian summer," Venus stated. "I’ve had so many incredible moments there, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to return to a place that has been so significant to my career."

Statistical Highlights

Williams' overall record at the Australian Open stands at an impressive 54 wins and 21 defeats. This year will mark the twenty-second occasion she has appeared in the main draw.

Establishing a New Record

The tournament pointed out that Williams is set to become the most senior female player to take part in an Australian Open singles competition, eclipsing the record previously held by Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was forty-four when she was defeated in the opening round at Melbourne Park in 2015.

Latest Personal Milestone

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