Seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams is set to make history as the oldest woman ever to feature in the Australian Open main draw after receiving a wildcard entry for the 2026 tournament.
The 45-year-old American was handed the final women’s wildcard for the season-opening Grand Slam, which begins on January 18 in Melbourne.
Williams, a two-time finalist at the Australian Open, last appeared at Melbourne Park in 2021, where her campaign ended in the second round following a defeat to Italy’s Sara Errani.
Expressing her excitement, Williams said she was grateful for the opportunity to return to a venue that has been central to her illustrious career.
“I’m thankful for the chance to come back to a place that has meant so much to me over the years,” she said.
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With her inclusion, Williams will surpass the previous age record set by Japan’s Kimiko Date, who competed in the Australian Open main draw at 44 in 2015.
As part of her return to the international circuit, the former world number one has also accepted a wildcard for the Hobart International, which starts on January 12. The warm-up event will feature Britain’s Emma Raducanu among its participants.
Williams has not competed outside the United States since 2023. She returned to action last year at the US Open, where she became the third-oldest woman to play in the tournament during the Open era.
Her run in New York, however, ended in the opening round after a three-set loss to Czech star Karolina Muchova.
