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A seven-time Grand Slam singles champion Venus Williams has been granted a special invitation for the first Grand Slam of the year, which kicks off on January 18 in Melbourne.

A Landmark Comeback to the Australian Courts

The event organizers announced on the weekend that the 45-year-old legend will grace the courts again at Melbourne Park a remarkable 28 years after her first appearance. Back in 1998, she defeated her younger sister Serena in the early stage before bowing out in the last eight to compatriot Lindsay Davenport.

Preparing for the Australian Summer

Venus had previously revealed in November her intention to compete in New Zealand's Auckland Classic, where she was likewise awarded a wild card, two weeks before the Melbourne event. The Australian Open noted that Williams is scheduled to play a tournament in Hobart, Australia a following week, just before the start of play at the main venue.

Her last appearance in the city was in 2021, and she has been a finalist in the singles competition on two separate instances, losing to Serena in the championship matches of 2003 as well as 2017.

"I am thrilled to be back in the country and looking forward to playing during the Australian summer," Williams said. "I’ve had so many unforgettable moments there, and I’m grateful for the chance to return to a venue that has been so significant to my professional journey."

By the Numbers

Williams' career statistics at the Australian Open stands at an impressive 54 victories and 21 losses. This year will mark the twenty-second occasion she has competed in the main draw.

Establishing a Fresh Benchmark

The tournament pointed out that Williams is poised to be the oldest woman to compete in an Australian Open singles competition, surpassing the mark previously held by Japanese Kimiko Date, who was 44 when she lost in the opening round at the venue in 2015.

Latest Life Event

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