By Lehlohonolo Lehana.
Venus Williams was handed a wildcard to the Australian Open aged 45 on Friday, becoming the oldest woman ever to play at the season-opening Grand Slam, surpassing Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was 44 when she bowed out in the first round in 2015.
Williams last appeared at Melbourne Park in 2021 when she was beaten by Italy’s Sara Errani in the second round.
“I am excited to be back in Australia and looking forward to competing during the summer,” Williams, 45, 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.”
She has also accepted a wildcard for the Hobart International, a warm-up event starting on January 12, where she will join fellow major winners Barbora Krejcikova and Emma Raducanu.
The former world number one, who has was beaten by her sister Serena in the 2003 and 2017 finals, has not competed outside the United States since 2023.