At 45, Venus Williams scripts history with wildcard return in Australian Open 2026
Venus Williams will make a return to the Australian Open at the age of 45 after receiving a wildcard entry. The seven-time Grand Slam champion makes her comeback five years after her last appearance in the tournament.
New Delhi: Venus Williams is set to make a return in the Australian Open in January 2026, completing one of the most remarkable comebacks in the history of modern-day tennis. The seven-time Grand Slam singles champion has received a wildcard entry for the 2026 Australian Open, which will begin on January 18 in Melbourne. It will be her first appearance at the event in five years, which is coming just days after she got married to Danish-born model and actor Andrea Preti.
At the age of 45, Williams also scripted history, becoming the oldest woman to compete in the Australian Open main draw, overtaking Japan’s Kimiko Date, who held the previous record when she played at Melbourne Park in 2015 at the age of 44.
'Grateful for the opportunity to return'
Williams said that she's excited to be back in Australia and looking forward to competing during the Australian summer. The American further added that she had many incredible memories there and is grateful for the opportunity.
"I’m excited to be back in Australia and looking forward to competing during the Australian summer. I’ve had so many incredible memories there and I’m grateful for the opportunity to return to a place that has meant so much to my career," Williams said.
Tournament organisers confirmed that Williams’ return will come five years after her last appearance in Melbourne in 2021. The American has twice qualified for the final of the Australian Open, finishing as runner-up to Serena in 2003 and again in 2017. She will return to Melbourne Park 28 years after her first appearance.
She has won 54 matches and lost 21 in the tournament, and the upcoming event will mark her 22nd appearance in the main draw. Venus had already hinted at a return in November, announcing her plans to compete in Auckland, New Zealand, where she also received a wildcard, two weeks before the Australian Open. She will also play in the Hobart tournament the following week as part of her build-up to the Australian Open.