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Seven-time Grand Slam title holder Venus Williams has secured a wild-card entry for the first Grand Slam of the year, commencing on the 18th of January in the city of Melbourne.

A Landmark Return to the Australian Courts

The event organizers announced on Friday that the forty-five-year-old icon will grace the courts again at Melbourne Park a remarkable 28 years after her first appearance. Back in 1998, she defeated her younger sister Serena in the second round before exiting in the last eight to compatriot Lindsay Davenport.

Gearing Up for the Australian Summer

Venus had earlier stated in the month of November her plans to play in Auckland, New Zealand, where she was likewise awarded a special entry, two weeks prior to the Australian Open. Organizers added that Williams is scheduled to participate in Hobart, Australia a week later, immediately prior to the start of play at Melbourne Park.

Her last appearance in Melbourne was in 2021, and she has been a finalist in the singles competition on two occasions, losing to Serena in the championship matches of 2003 and 2017.

"I am thrilled to return in Australia and looking forward to playing during the summer season," Williams stated. "I’ve had so many unforgettable memories there, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to return to a place that has meant so much to my professional journey."

By the Numbers

Williams' overall record at the Australian Open stands at an impressive 54 victories and 21 losses. This year will mark the twenty-second occasion she has appeared in the primary tournament field.

Setting a Fresh Benchmark

The tournament indicated that Williams is poised to be the oldest woman to take part in an Open's main draw, eclipsing the record formerly set by Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was forty-four when she lost in the opening round at Melbourne Park in 2015.

Recent Life Event

In late December, Williams married Danish-born actor and model Andrea Preti in Florida's Palm Beach.