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A seven-time Grand Slam title holder Venus Williams has secured a special invitation for the Australian Open, which kicks off on the 18th of January in the city of Melbourne.

A Landmark Comeback to Melbourne Park

Tournament officials announced on Friday that the 45-year-old icon will make a return at Melbourne Park a remarkable 28 years after her debut. Back in 1998, she overcame her younger sister Serena in the second round before exiting in the last eight to fellow American Lindsay Davenport.

Gearing Up for the Australian Summer

Venus had previously revealed in the month of November her plans to play in Auckland, New Zealand, where she also received a special entry, a fortnight prior to the Melbourne event. Organizers added that Williams is also entered to participate in Australia's Hobart International a following week, immediately prior to the start of play at the main venue.

Her last appearance in Melbourne was in the year 2021, and she has finished runner-up in the singles competition on two separate instances, falling short against Serena in the championship matches of 2003 and 2017.

"I’m excited to be back in the country and eagerly anticipating competing during the summer season," Williams stated. "I’ve had so many incredible memories there, and I’m grateful for the chance to return to a venue that has meant so much to my career."

By the Numbers

Williams' overall record at the Australian Open stands at an impressive 54 wins and 21 losses. The upcoming edition will mark the twenty-second occasion she has appeared in the primary tournament field.

Setting a Fresh Benchmark

The tournament indicated that Williams is poised to be the oldest woman to compete in an Australian Open singles competition, surpassing the record formerly set by Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was 44 when she was defeated in the opening round at the venue in 2015.

Latest Life Event

In late December, Williams married Denmark-born model and actor Andrea Preti in Florida's Palm Beach.