Venus Williams to Compete in 2026 Australian Open with Wild Card Entry
Venus Williams, aged 45, received a wild-card entry for the Australian Open, which begins on 18 January in Melbourne. This marks her return to Melbourne Park 28 years after her first appearance at the tournament in 1998. At that event, she notably defeated Serena Williams in the second round before losing in the quarterfinals to Lindsay Davenport.
Williams had announced plans to compete in events in Auckland and Hobart, where she also received a wild card, as preparation leading up to the Australian Open. She last played in Melbourne in 2021 and has previously finished as runner-up at the Australian Open twice, in 2003 and 2017, both times losing to Serena Williams.
Her record at Melbourne Park stands at 54 wins and 21 losses, and the upcoming Australian Open will be her 22nd main-draw appearance at the tournament. At 45, Williams is set to become the oldest woman to compete in the Australian Open main draw, surpassing Kimiko Date, who was 44 when she last played in 2015.
Additionally, Williams married Andrea Preti in late December in Palm Beach, Florida.
