TENNIS: Venus Williams, 45, receives wildcard entry for Australian Open

Venus Williams will make a comeback at the Australian Open after receiving a wildcard entry, tournament organizers announced Friday, marking her first appearance at Melbourne Park in five years.

The seven-time Grand Slam champion last competed at the tournament in 2021, when she exited in the second round against Italy’s Sara Errani.

Despite 21 previous campaigns, Williams has never claimed the Australian Open title. She finished as runner-up twice, losing to her sister Serena in the finals in 2003 and 2017.

“I am excited to be back in Australia and looking forward to competing during the summer,” said Williams, 45. “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.”

With this appearance, Williams will become the oldest woman to feature in the Australian Open main draw, surpassing Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was 44 when she bowed out in the first round in 2015.

Williams has also accepted a wildcard for the Hobart International, a warm-up event starting on January 12, where she will compete alongside fellow major winners Barbora Krejcikova and Emma Raducanu.

-Reporting by Karan Prashant Saxena in Bengaluru; Editing by Thomas Derpinghaus/Reuters