Melbourne, 2 January: Seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams, aged 45, has received a wild card entry into the main draw of the Australian Open 2026. This will mark her first appearance at Melbourne Park since 2021 and her first time competing outside the United States since 2023.
Venus will become the oldest woman to play in the Australian Open main draw. She will break the record previously held by Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was 44 years old when she lost in the first round of the 2015 Australian Open.
Venus said, “I am very happy to be back in Australia and look forward to competing in the Australian summer. I have many wonderful memories there, and I am grateful for the opportunity to return to a place that means so much to my career.”
After a 16-month break, Venus returned to tennis last July and participated in three tournaments during 2025. She defeated compatriot Peyton Stearns 6-3, 6-4 in the first round of the Mubadala City DC Open, before losing to Magdalena Fręch.
In August, Williams lost 4-6, 4-6 to Spain’s Jessica Bouzas Maneiro in the first round at Cincinnati and pushed 11th seed Karolína Muchová to three sets in the first round of the US Open. In doubles, playing alongside Leylah Fernandez, Williams reached the quarterfinals where they were defeated by finalists Katarzyna Kawa and Taylor Townsend.
Venus will prepare for the Australian Open 2026 at the Hobart International, where she has also been granted a wild card. She will join fellow major champions Barbora Krejčíková and Emma Raducanu at the tournament.
Venus Williams has won seven singles Grand Slam titles, including five Wimbledon and two US Open trophies. With the wild card entry, she has a chance to win the Australian Open and become the oldest woman to achieve this historic feat.
The main draw of the Australian Open 2026 will begin on 18 January.
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My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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