Seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams has been granted a wild card entry to compete in the 2026 Australian Open. This marks her return to Melbourne Park after her last appearance in 2021 and her first competition outside the United States since 2023. Despite her seven Grand Slam singles titles, Venus has not clinched a victory in Melbourne, having reached the final twice, in 2003 and 2017, with her sister Serena Williams emerging as the champion on both occasions.
Venus Williams, known for her remarkable tennis career, has a strong history at the Australian Open. Apart from her two final appearances, she also reached the semifinals in 2001 and six quarterfinals, contributing to her impressive tournament win-loss record of 54-21. Expressing her excitement, Venus stated, “I’m excited to be back in Australia and looking forward to competing during the Australian summer. 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.”
At 45 years old, Venus Williams is set to make history as the oldest woman to compete in the Australian Open main draw, surpassing the previous record held by Japan’s Kimiko Date. After a 16-month break, Venus returned to tennis last July and participated in three tournaments in 2025, showcasing her enduring passion for the sport. She will be gearing up for the Australian Open 2026 at the Hobart International, where she will be joined by other major champions like Barbora Krejcikova and Emma Raducanu.
The Australian Open 2026 main draw is scheduled to commence on January 18, offering tennis enthusiasts an exciting start to the year with the participation of renowned players like Venus Williams.
