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Venus Williams is not ready to end her great tennis career just yet.
The seven-time Grand Slam singles winner earned a wildcard entry into this year’s Australian Open, the first major tournament of the season, which begins on January 18.
In a social media post on Friday, tournament organizers confirmed the 45-year-old Williams would return to Melbourne Park after a five-year absence. Williams made her debut at the Australian Open 28 years ago.
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Venus Williams celebrates after winning match point in her women’s singles first round match against Kirsten Flipkens at the 2021 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on February 8, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. (Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images)
Venus outlasted her younger sister and fellow tennis player Serena Williams at the 1998 Australian Open, but was eventually defeated in the quarterfinals by Lindsay Davenport.
Williams also received a wild card to a WTA tournament in Auckland, New Zealand, in November.
VENUS WILLIAMS GETS US OPEN WILD-CARD INVITATION AS OLDEST SINGLE CONTESTANT OVER 40 YEARS
The 45-year-old Williams last competed in Melbourne in 2021. She has finished second in the women’s singles twice, losing to Serena Williams in the finals in 2003 and 2017.
Venus Williams walks onto the court prior to a first round singles match against KarolĂna Muchová at the 2025 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center on August 25, 2025 in New York City. (Elsa/Getty Images)
“I’m excited to be back in Australia and looking forward to competing in the Australian summer,” Venus said. “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.”
Venus Williams’ record at Melbourne Park stands at 54 wins and 21 losses. This year is the 22nd time she has been in the main draw.
Venus Williams in a practice session during the Rothesay Classic Birmingham at Edgbaston Priory Club on June 21, 2023 in Birmingham, England. (Stephen Pond/Getty Images for LTA)
Australian Open officials said Williams would become the oldest woman to compete in the tournament’s main draw, surpassing the record previously held by Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was 44 when she lost in the first round at Melbourne Park in 2015.
