Melbourne: Venus Williams is set to return to the Australian Open in January in one of the most striking comebacks in modern tennis, after being granted a wildcard entry into the main draw.
The seven-time Grand Slam singles champion will compete in Melbourne from January 18, marking her first appearance at the tournament in five years. Her return comes shortly after her marriage to Danish-born model and actor Andrea Preti, adding a personal milestone to a major sporting moment.
At 45, Williams will also make history. She is set to become the oldest woman ever to compete in the Australian Open singles main draw, surpassing the previous record held by Japan’s Kimiko Date, who played at age 44 in 2015.
This will be Williams’ first main-draw appearance at the Australian Open since 2021 and her 22nd overall at the tournament. She made her debut in Melbourne in 1998 and has twice reached the singles final, finishing runner-up to her sister Serena in 2003 and again in 2017. Over her career at the event, she has recorded 54 wins against 21 losses.
She’s BACK 🙌
7x Grand Slam champion, @Venuseswilliams ✨ pic.twitter.com/KuByXJro2p
— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) January 1, 2026
While the singles title eluded her, Williams enjoyed significant success in doubles. She won the women’s doubles crown four times, in 2001, 2003, 2009, and 2010, and also claimed the mixed doubles title in 1998.
Williams had already signalled her intention to return to competitive tennis. She is scheduled to play in Auckland, New Zealand, where she has also received a wildcard, and has featured in Hobart as part of her build-up to the Australian summer. Her Melbourne comeback now stands as both a sporting milestone and a testament to her enduring presence in the game.
