Venus Williams is expected to create Australian Open history at 45

Venus Williams was given a wildcard, making her the oldest woman to appear in the Australian Open main tournament.

Venus Williams, who is 45 years old, will become the oldest female player to compete in the main draw of the 2026 Australian Open after being granted a wildcard entrance.

The final women’s wildcard for the season-opening major, which begins in Melbourne on January 18, was given to the seven-time Grand Slam champion. Williams last played at Melbourne Park in 2021, losing to Sara Errani of Italy in the second round. The American responded to the offer by saying she was “appreciative of the chance to go back to a place that has meant so much to my career.”

Williams, a two-time finalist at the Australian Open, will surpass a long-standing record set by Kimiko Date of Japan, who participated in the tournament in 2015 at the age of 44. Williams has also taken a wildcard to the Hobart International, which starts on January 12, as part of her preparation. There, she is anticipated to compete alongside Emma Raducanu of Britain.

The former world number one made a high-profile comeback in last year’s US Open, becoming the third-oldest female competitor in the Open era. She hasn’t played competitively outside of the US since 2023. Williams’ return to Melbourne highlights her continued presence in the sport and adds another incredible chapter to her illustrious career, despite the fact that she was defeated in the first round by Karolina Muchova.