🔗 Share this article Venus Williams, 45, Receives Special Entry for Her Initial Australian Open in Five Years. A seven-time Grand Slam singles champion Venus Williams has secured a special invitation for the Australian Open, which kicks off on January 18 in the city of Melbourne. Historic Comeback to the Australian Courts Tournament officials confirmed on the weekend that the forty-five-year-old legend will make a return at Melbourne Park a remarkable 28 years after her debut. Back in 1998, she defeated her sibling Serena in the early stage before bowing out in the quarter-finals to fellow American Lindsay Davenport. Gearing Up for the Summer Swing The tennis star had previously revealed in the month of November her plans to compete in Auckland, New Zealand, where she was likewise awarded a special entry, two weeks prior to the Melbourne event. The Australian Open added that Williams is scheduled to play a tournament in Australia's Hobart International a following week, just before the action begins at Melbourne Park. Her most recent visit in Melbourne was in the year 2021, and she has finished runner-up in the singles competition on two separate instances, losing to Serena in the championship matches of 2003 and 2017. "I am thrilled to be back in the country and eagerly anticipating competing during the summer season," Venus said. "I have experienced so many incredible memories there, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to go back to a place that has meant so much to my career." By the Numbers Williams' career statistics at Melbourne Park stands at an notable 54 wins and 21 losses. The upcoming edition will represent the 22nd time she has competed in the main draw. Establishing a Fresh Benchmark Officials pointed out that Williams is poised to be the most senior female player to take part in an Australian Open main draw, eclipsing the mark 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 Life Event In the final days of December, Williams wed Denmark-born actor and model Andrea Preti in Palm Beach, Florida.