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A seven-time Grand Slam singles champion Venus Williams has secured a wild-card entry for the Australian Open, commencing on the 18th of January in Melbourne.

A Landmark Return to the Australian Courts

The event organizers announced on the weekend that the forty-five-year-old legend will grace the courts again at the tournament venue a remarkable 28 years after her first appearance. Back in 1998, she defeated her younger sister Serena in the early stage before exiting in the quarter-finals to compatriot Lindsay Davenport.

Gearing Up for the Australian Summer

The tennis star had previously revealed in the month of November her plans to play in Auckland, New Zealand, where she also received a wild card, two weeks prior to the Australian Open. Organizers added that Williams is scheduled to participate in Hobart, Australia a week later, immediately prior to the start of play at Melbourne Park.

Her last appearance in the city was in 2021, and she has finished runner-up in the singles competition on two separate instances, losing to 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," Venus stated. "I’ve had so many unforgettable memories there, and I’m thankful for the chance to return to a place that has been so significant to my career."

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 appeared in the main draw.

Establishing a Fresh Benchmark

Officials indicated that Williams is poised to be the most senior female player to take part in an Open's singles competition, eclipsing the record previously held by Japanese 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 wed Denmark-born actor and model Andrea Preti in Florida's Palm Beach.