Venus Williams on Verge of History, Poised to Become Oldest Woman to Win on WTA Tour

Venus Williams to Make Historic Australian Open Comeback at 45

Seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams is set for a historic return to the Australian Open later this month, after being awarded a wildcard entry, five years after her last appearance at the Grand Slam.

At 45, Williams will become the oldest woman to feature in the Australian Open main draw, surpassing Japan’s Kimiko Date, who competed at 44 in 2015. This will also mark her first tournament outside the United States since 2023.

Williams received the eighth and final women’s wildcard on Friday, confirming her first appearance at Melbourne Park since 2021. Ahead of the Australian Open, she will fine-tune her game at the Hobart International, where she will face champions including Barbora Krejcikova and Emma Raducanu.

The Australian Open noted that Hobart will serve as Williams’ final warm-up before play begins at Melbourne Park.

Williams made her Australian Open debut in 1998, famously defeating her sister Serena in the second round before falling to Lindsay Davenport in the quarterfinals. A singles finalist in 2003 and 2017, she has also won five Wimbledon titles and two US Opens.

Reflecting on her return, Williams said, “I am excited to be back in Australia and looking forward to competing during the Australian summer. I have had so many incredible memories there and am grateful for the opportunity to return to a place that has meant so much to my career.”

After years of health struggles that affected her tennis and career trajectory, Williams underwent surgery for uterine fibroids in August 2024.