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Seven-time Grand Slam title holder Venus Williams has been granted a special invitation for the first Grand Slam of the year, which kicks off on the 18th of January in Melbourne.

A Landmark Comeback to the Australian Courts

The event organizers confirmed on Friday that the 45-year-old legend will make a return at the tournament venue a staggering 28 years after her debut. During 1998, she overcame her sibling Serena in the early stage before exiting in the last eight to fellow American Lindsay Davenport.

Preparing for the Australian Summer

Venus had previously revealed in the month of November her intention to play in New Zealand's Auckland Classic, where she also received a wild card, a fortnight prior to the Melbourne event. The Australian Open added 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 most recent visit in Melbourne was in 2021, and she has finished runner-up in the women’s singles on two occasions, falling short against Serena in the championship matches of 2003 and 2017.

"I’m excited to return in Australia and looking forward to competing during the summer season," Williams stated. "I have experienced so many unforgettable memories there, and I’m grateful for the chance to go back to a place that has been so significant to my professional journey."

By the Numbers

Williams' overall record at Melbourne Park stands at an notable 54 wins and 21 losses. The upcoming edition will mark the twenty-second occasion she has appeared in the primary tournament field.

Setting a Fresh Benchmark

Officials indicated that Williams is poised to be the oldest woman to compete in an Australian Open main draw, eclipsing the mark formerly set by Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was forty-four when she lost in the opening round at the venue in 2015.

Latest Life Event

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