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

Historic Comeback to Melbourne Park

Tournament officials announced on Friday that the forty-five-year-old icon will make a return at Melbourne Park a remarkable 28 years after her first appearance. During 1998, she overcame her sibling Serena in the early stage before exiting in the quarter-finals to fellow American Lindsay Davenport.

Preparing for the Summer Swing

The tennis star had previously revealed in November her plans to compete in New Zealand's Auckland Classic, where she also received a special entry, two weeks before the Australian Open. The Australian Open added that Williams is scheduled to play a tournament in Hobart, Australia a following week, just before the action begins at Melbourne Park.

Her most recent visit in the city was in the year 2021, and she has finished runner-up in the women’s singles on two occasions, falling short against Serena in the championship matches of 2003 and 2017.

"I’m excited to return in Australia and looking forward to playing during the summer season," Williams stated. "I’ve had so many incredible moments there, and I’m thankful for the chance to go back to a place that has been so significant to my professional journey."

By the Numbers

Williams' career statistics at Melbourne Park stands at an impressive 54 victories and 21 losses. This year will mark the 22nd time she has competed in the primary tournament field.

Setting a Fresh Benchmark

Officials indicated that Williams is set to become the oldest woman to compete in an Open's singles competition, eclipsing the mark previously held by Japanese Kimiko Date, who was 44 when she was defeated in the first round at the venue in 2015.

Recent Personal Milestone

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