Venus Williams, the seven-time Grand Slam champion, is set to make history as the oldest female player to compete in the Australian Open main draw at age 45. She has received the tournament’s final women’s wildcard for the 2026 edition, which begins on 18 January.

Williams, who made her Australian Open debut in 1998, last competed in Melbourne Park in 2021, losing to Italy’s Sara Errani in the second round.

“I’m grateful for the opportunity to return to a place that has meant so much to my career,” Williams said.

By participating, the American will surpass Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was 44 when she played the Australian Open in 2015.

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Lead-Up Event: Hobart International

Williams has also accepted a wildcard for the Hobart International warm-up event, starting 12 January, where she will be joined by Britain’s Emma Raducanu. This tournament will give her valuable match play ahead of Melbourne.

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Career Highlights and Recent Form

The former world number one has been runner-up twice at the Australian Open, losing finals to her sister Serena Williams in 2003 and 2017. She has not competed internationally outside the United States since 2023.

Last year, Williams returned to the US Open, becoming the third-oldest woman to play in the tournament in the Open Era. She was defeated in the first round by Czech player Karolina Muchova, 6-3, 2-6, 6-1.

At 45, Venus Williams continues to defy age in professional tennis, adding another chapter to her remarkable career with this historic Australian Open appearance.