Venus Williams, Awarded Special Entry for First Melbourne Major in Half a Decade.

Seven-time Grand Slam singles champion 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.

Historic Return to the Australian Courts

The event organizers announced on Friday that the 45-year-old legend will make a return at Melbourne Park a staggering 28 years after her debut. During 1998, she defeated her sibling Serena in the second round before exiting in the last eight to fellow American Lindsay Davenport.

Preparing for the Australian Summer

Venus had previously revealed in November her intention to compete in New Zealand's Auckland Classic, where she also received a wild card, a fortnight before the Australian Open. The Australian Open added that Williams is also entered to play a tournament in Australia's Hobart International a following week, just before the start of play at the main venue.

Her most recent visit in the city was in the year 2021, and she has finished runner-up in the singles competition on two separate instances, falling short against Serena in the championship matches of 2003 as well as 2017.

"I’m excited to be back in the country and looking forward to playing during the summer season," Venus said. "I have experienced so many incredible moments there, and I’m thankful for the chance to go back to a place that has meant so much to my professional journey."

By the Numbers

Williams' career statistics at Melbourne Park stands at an impressive 54 victories and 21 losses. This year will mark the 22nd time she has competed in the primary tournament field.

Establishing a Fresh Benchmark

The tournament pointed out that Williams is set to become the oldest woman to compete in an Australian Open main draw, surpassing the mark formerly set by Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was 44 when she was defeated in the opening round at Melbourne Park in 2015.

Recent Personal Milestone

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