Seven-time Grand Slam singles champion Venus Williams has received a wildcard for the 2026 Australian Open at age 45, making her the oldest woman ever to compete in the season-opening tournament.
The American, who has played only a limited number of singles matches in recent years, will return to the Melbourne Park main draw for the first time since 2021.
“I’m excited to be back in Australia and looking forward to competing during the Australian summer,” Williams said. “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.”
Williams is a five-time Wimbledon champion and two-time US Open winner. She was also an Australian Open singles finalist in 2003 and 2017.
She will surpass Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was 44 when she competed in 2015, as the oldest woman to play at the Australian Open. Williams, a four-time Australian Open doubles champion, will begin her preparations at the Auckland Classic next week, after returning to the tour at the US Open last year following a 16-month hiatus. She is also scheduled to compete at the Hobart International immediately before the Melbourne tournament, which runs from January 18 to February 1.
Two-time Grand Slam champion Coco Gauff described Williams’ return as “incredible.”
“She’s a legend of the sport, so it will be cool to see her back in action,” Gauff said. “The longevity of her career is remarkable. She’s one of the people I looked up to, and I’m looking forward to seeing her on court again.”
AFP
