The “Queen of the Court” is returning to Melbourne Park! In a move that has thrilled tennis fans globally, tournament organizers confirmed on Friday, January 2, 2026, that seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams has been awarded a wildcard for the upcoming Australian Open.
At 45 years old, Williams is set to shatter records as she becomes the oldest woman ever to compete in the Australian Open main draw. She surpasses the previous record held by Japan’s Kimiko Date, who competed at age 44 in 2015.
A Historic Return 28 Years After Her Debut
Venus Williams first graced the courts of Melbourne Park in 1998 a staggering 28 years ago. Since then, she has become a fixture of the sport, amassing 54 wins and 21 losses at the tournament.
While she has never lifted the Australian Open singles trophy, she reached the final twice in 2003 and 2017 losing both times to her sister, Serena Williams. This 2026 appearance marks her 22nd time in the main draw and her first appearance in Melbourne since 2021.
“I’m excited to be back in Australia and looking forward to competing during the Australian summer,” Williams said in an official statement. “I’ve had so many incredible memories there, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to return to a place that has meant so much to my career.”
Road to Melbourne: The Australian Summer Swing
The Venus Williams Australian Open wildcard is just one part of her busy January schedule. To prepare for the high-intensity Grand Slam environment, the former World No. 1 has accepted two other major invitations:
Auckland Classic (New Zealand): Where she previously won a title in 2015.
Hobart International (Australia): A key warm-up event where she will join fellow stars like Emma Raducanu.
A Remarkable Comeback and Personal Milestone
This news comes at an incredibly busy time for the tennis icon. Just days before the wildcard announcement, Venus celebrated a major personal milestone by marrying Danish-born model and actor Andrea Preti in a private ceremony in Florida.
On the court, Venus has shown incredible resilience. After a 16-month hiatus, she returned to action at the 2025 US Open, proving she still has the “brand of tennis” that fans love. Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley hailed her as a “true legend and trailblazer,” noting that her presence adds a unique layer of inspiration to this year’s tournament.
What to Expect at the 2026 Australian Open
The main draw is set to begin on Sunday, January 18, 2026. All eyes will be on how the 45-year-old veteran handles the grueling heat and the younger generation of stars like Coco Gauff, who recently called Venus’s longevity “incredible.”
Whether she goes on a deep run or exits early, Venus Williams’ participation is a victory for sportsmanship and the belief that age is truly just a number.
Do you think Venus can pull off a major upset in Melbourne this year? Let us know your predictions in the comments below!
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