Venus Williams is set to break a record at this year’s Australian Open, becoming the oldest woman ever to compete in the tournament after being handed the final wildcard.
The 45-year-old has played only a handful of events on the WTA Tour in recent years and hasn’t competed outside the US since 2023.
She returned last season at the Washington Open, where she picked up her first singles victory in over a year, beating Peyton Stearns.
After that, Williams entered the Cincinnati Open and later took part in singles, doubles, and mixed doubles at the US Open.
This will be her first appearance at Melbourne Park since 2021 when she made her 21st Australian Open showing.
Looking back at Venus Williams’ 2021 Australian Open appearance
Williams didn’t win a single Grand Slam match in the 2020 season, marking a first in her career.
She exited the Australian Open, Roland Garros and US Open all in the opening round, while Wimbledon wasn’t held that year due to COVID-19.
That stretch finally came to an end at the start of 2021 when she picked up a win Down Under.
The American beat Belgium’s Kirsten Flipkens in straight sets, becoming the first woman over 40 to win a Grand Slam singles match since Martina Navratilova did it in 2004.
Her tournament run ended with a heavy defeat to Sara Errani, losing 6-1, 6-0.
Williams played through injury and needed two medical timeouts during that match before leaving the court in tears.
Venus Williams shares emotional message following tearful exit in 2021
Following the match, Williams shared an emotional message on Instagram, reflecting on her experience.
She said: “You can’t always prepare for the triumph or the disaster in sports or in life. You can’t control it all.”
“What you can control is how you handle the ups and the downs. No matter the outcome, I always hold my head high, and I leave everything I have on the court.
“I never look back in regret because no matter the odds I give it all. You don’t have to look back when you leave it all out there. Always look forward, the deepest dream you have could be.”
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