Venus Williams to Return to Australian Open at 45, Becomes Oldest Main-Draw Competitor
Venus Williams, 45, returns to Melbourne Park for the Australian Open 2026 with a wild-card, becoming oldest woman in the main draw and resuming schedule.
Overview
Venus Williams, 45, will compete in the Australian Open 2026 in Melbourne Park with a wild-card entry, marking her return after a five-year absence.
She will become the oldest woman to compete in the Australian Open main draw, surpassing Kimiko Date's 44-year record and setting a longevity benchmark for the event.
Her wild-card entry marks a continued association with Melbourne Park, where she has a 54-21 win-loss record and boasts 22nd main-draw appearance.
Ahead of the Open, Williams slated to play in Auckland and Hobart, with the Melbourne event the centerpiece of her 2026 schedule.
The veteran champion recently married Andrea Preti and returns to the tour after years of competing at major events, reinforcing her longstanding impact on the sport.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources present the story of Venus Williams receiving a wildcard for the Australian Open 2026 in a neutral manner. The reporting focuses on factual details, such as her age, past performances, and quotes from Williams herself. The coverage lacks evaluative language or selective emphasis, providing a balanced view without framing the narrative in a particular light.
Sources (5)
FAQ
Venus Williams will become the oldest woman to compete in the Australian Open main draw at age 45, surpassing Kimiko Date's record of 44 years.
History
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