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A seven-time Grand Slam title holder Venus Williams has been granted a wild-card entry for the first Grand Slam of the year, commencing on January 18 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 staggering 28 years after her debut. Back in 1998, she overcame her sibling Serena in the second round before exiting in the quarter-finals to fellow American Lindsay Davenport.

Gearing Up for the Summer Swing

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

Her most recent visit in Melbourne was in the year 2021, and she has finished runner-up in the women’s singles on two occasions, losing to Serena in the finals of 2003 and 2017.

"I’m excited to return in the country and looking forward to playing during the Australian summer," Williams said. "I’ve had 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 career."

Statistical Highlights

Williams' career statistics at Melbourne Park stands at an impressive 54 victories and 21 defeats. This year will mark the twenty-second occasion she has competed in the primary tournament field.

Setting a Fresh Benchmark

The tournament pointed out that Williams is poised to be the most senior female player to take part in an Australian Open main draw, surpassing the record formerly set by Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was forty-four when she lost in the first round at Melbourne Park in 2015.

Recent Personal Milestone

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