Venus Williams returns to Australian open
She receives a wildcard and becomes the oldest woman to compete at 45
Venus Williams will return to the Australian Open after receiving a wildcard, marking her first main-draw appearance at Melbourne Park in five years and making her the oldest woman to compete in the tournament at 45. The seven-time Grand Slam singles champion last played the event in 2021, when she lost in the second round, and despite 21 appearances has never won the Australian Open, finishing runner-up twice — including losses to sister Serena in 2003 and 2017. Organizers said the wildcard recognizes Williams’ achievements and lasting impact on the sport; she has been a former world No. 1, a five-time Wimbledon champion, two-time U.S. Open winner and a 14-time Grand Slam doubles champion with Serena.
Williams has accepted an additional wildcard for the Hobart International warm-up event, where she will join other notable entrants including Barbora Krejcikova and Emma Raducanu. Her decision to return follows a period of limited competition owing to injuries, but she has repeatedly stated she is not ready to retire. Tournament officials and fans expect her participation to boost interest and attendance, citing her global profile and inspirational presence across generations.
At 45, Williams will surpass Japan’s Kimiko Date as the oldest woman to feature in the Australian Open main draw in the Open era, underscoring the extended career longevity now possible through advances in sports medicine, conditioning and training. While commentators caution that realistic expectations are appropriate given her recent play and injury history, many highlight the historical and symbolic significance of her appearance: a celebrated veteran returning to a Grand Slam stage that has been central to her long career.
Analysts note Williams’ return illuminates broader trends in professional tennis, where elite athletes increasingly sustain competitive levels later into their careers. Her inclusion also spotlights debates about wildcards and their role in balancing merit-based entry with the promotional and cultural value of marquee names. For Williams personally, the Australian Open wildcard represents another chapter in a career characterized by resilience and barrier‑breaking achievements; for the tournament, it offers renewed star power and narrative intrigue as fans anticipate whether the veteran can produce memorable performances despite long odds.
