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

A Landmark Comeback to the Australian Courts

The event organizers confirmed on the weekend that the 45-year-old icon will make a return at the tournament venue a remarkable 28 years after her debut. Back in 1998, she overcame her younger sister Serena in the early stage before exiting in the last eight to compatriot Lindsay Davenport.

Preparing for the Summer Swing

Venus had previously revealed in the month of November her plans to compete in Auckland, New Zealand, where she also received a wild card, two weeks before the Melbourne event. Organizers noted that Williams is scheduled to participate in Hobart, Australia a following week, just before the start of play at the main venue.

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

"I am thrilled to be back in the country and eagerly anticipating playing during the Australian summer," Venus said. "I have experienced so many unforgettable moments there, and I’m grateful for the chance to go back to a venue that has been so significant to my professional journey."

Statistical Highlights

Williams' career statistics at the Australian Open stands at an impressive 54 wins and 21 defeats. The upcoming edition will represent the twenty-second occasion she has appeared in the primary tournament field.

Setting a Fresh Benchmark

The tournament indicated that Williams is set to become the oldest woman to take part in an Open's main draw, surpassing the mark formerly set by Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was forty-four when she lost in the opening round at the venue in 2015.

Recent Personal Milestone

In the final days of December, Williams married Danish-born model and actor Andrea Preti in Palm Beach, Florida.