Venus Williams will return to the Australian Open after receiving a wildcard entry, the match’s organisers stated on Friday, marking her first look at Melbourne Park in 5 years.
The seven-time Grand Slam winner final performed at the match in 2021, exiting within the second spherical to Italy’s Sara Errani.
Regardless of 21 earlier campaigns, the American has by no means lifted the trophy, ending runner-up twice – shedding to sister Serena within the finals in 2003 and 2017.
“I am excited to be back in Australia and looking forward to competing during the summer,” Williams, 45, stated.
“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 will grow to be the oldest lady to characteristic in the Australian Open fundamental draw, surpassing Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was 44 when she bowed out within the first spherical in 2015.
She has additionally accepted a wildcard for the Hobart Worldwide, a warm-up occasion beginning on January 12, the place she is going to be a part of fellow main winners Barbora Krejcikova and Emma Raducanu.
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