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A seven-time Grand Slam title holder Venus Williams has secured a wild-card entry for the first Grand Slam of the year, which kicks off on the 18th of January in the city of Melbourne.

A Landmark Return to the Australian Courts

Tournament officials confirmed on Friday that the forty-five-year-old icon will grace the courts again at the tournament venue a remarkable 28 years after her debut. During 1998, she defeated her younger sister Serena in the early stage before bowing out in the quarter-finals to compatriot Lindsay Davenport.

Gearing Up for the Summer Swing

Venus had previously revealed in November her plans to play in Auckland, New Zealand, where she also received a wild card, a fortnight before the Melbourne event. Organizers noted that Williams is scheduled to participate in Hobart, Australia a following week, just before the action begins at the main venue.

Her last appearance in Melbourne was in 2021, and she has been a finalist in the singles competition on two separate instances, falling short against Serena in the finals of 2003 as well as 2017.

"I am thrilled to return in Australia and looking forward to competing during the summer season," Williams said. "I have experienced so many unforgettable moments there, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to return to a place that has been so significant to my professional journey."

Statistical Highlights

Williams' career statistics at the Australian Open stands at an notable 54 wins and 21 losses. The upcoming edition will represent the twenty-second occasion she has appeared in the primary tournament field.

Setting a Fresh Benchmark

The tournament indicated that Williams is set to become the oldest woman to compete in an Australian Open main draw, surpassing the mark previously held by Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was forty-four when she lost in the opening round at the venue in 2015.

Recent Personal Milestone

In the final days of December, Williams wed Denmark-born actor and model Andrea Preti in Florida's Palm Beach.