Venus Williams gets Australian Open at 45; list of oldest woman to compete in a season-opening tennis Grand Slam

Venus Williams will write her name into history books when the seven-time Grand Slam singles champion make her return to the Melbourne Park as the oldest woman to compete in a season-opening major. The 45-year-old older of the Williams sisters, Venus has been given a wildcard entry by the Australian Open organisers.

Venus will feature in the main draw of the Australian Open for the first time since 2021. It will be her 22nd appearance at the Australian Open and first at the venue after five years. Venus will surpass Japan’s Kimiko Date, who held the record previously aged 44 at Australian Open 2015.

“I’m excited to be back in Australia and looking forward to competing during the Australian summer,” Venus said. “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,” she added.