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Seven-time Grand Slam title holder Venus Williams has been granted a wild-card entry for the Australian Open, commencing on January 18 in the city of Melbourne.

A Landmark Return to the Australian Courts

The event organizers announced on the weekend that the 45-year-old legend will make a return at the tournament venue a staggering 28 years after her debut. During 1998, she defeated her sibling Serena in the early stage before exiting in the last eight to compatriot Lindsay Davenport.

Preparing for the Australian Summer

Venus had previously revealed in the month of November her plans to compete in New Zealand's Auckland Classic, where she also received a special entry, a fortnight prior to the Melbourne event. Organizers noted that Williams is scheduled to participate in Hobart, Australia a following week, just before the action begins at Melbourne Park.

Her most recent visit in Melbourne was in the year 2021, and she has been a finalist in the women’s singles on two separate instances, losing to Serena in the finals of 2003 and 2017.

"I’m excited to return in the country and looking forward to competing during the Australian summer," Williams stated. "I’ve had so many unforgettable memories there, and I’m thankful for the chance to go back to a venue that has been so significant to my professional journey."

Statistical Highlights

Williams' overall record at the Australian Open stands at an notable 54 wins and 21 defeats. The upcoming edition will mark the twenty-second occasion she has competed in the primary tournament field.

Setting a Fresh Benchmark

The tournament indicated that Williams is poised to be the oldest woman to take part in an Australian Open main draw, eclipsing the mark previously held by Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was forty-four when she was defeated in the first round at the venue in 2015.

Latest Life Event

In the final days of December, Williams wed Danish-born model and actor Andrea Preti in Palm Beach, Florida.