Venus Williams will make history at the 2026 Australian Open after being awarded a women’s singles wild card at the age of 45, tournament organizers announced.
The seven-time Grand Slam singles champion is set to become the oldest woman ever to compete in the Australian Open main draw, surpassing the previous record held by Japan’s Kimiko Date, who played in Melbourne at age 44 in 2015.
Williams has not competed at the Australian Open since 2021 and has not played outside the United States since 2023. The Melbourne wild card marks her return to international competition and secures her place in the first Grand Slam tournament of the year, which begins on January 18.
Aug 25, 2025; Flushing, NY, USA; Venus Williams of the United States in action against Karolina Muchova of Czech Republic in the first round of the women’s singles at the US Open at Arthur Ashes Stadium in Billie Jean King National Tennis Centre. Mandatory Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images
A two-time finalist at Melbourne Park, Williams most recently reached the Australian Open final in 2017, where she finished runner-up to her sister, Serena Williams. She also lost the 2003 final to Serena, narrowly missing out on a singles title in Australia during her storied career.
“I’m excited to be back in Australia and looking forward to competing during the Australian summer,” Williams said in a statement. “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.”
Williams is also scheduled to compete at the Hobart International warm-up tournament, which begins on January 12, providing her with match play ahead of the Australian Open.
Her return follows a challenging period marked by health setbacks. Williams underwent surgery in August 2024 to treat uterine fibroids after dealing with years of related issues. She returned to competition last summer in Washington, D.C., where she became the oldest woman to win a tour-level match since Martina Navratilova at Wimbledon in 2004.
At the 2025 U.S. Open, Williams lost in the first round but pushed 11th seed Karolina Muchova to three sets, showing flashes of the resilience that has defined her career. She has not competed on tour since that match and was married last month.
Aug 25, 2025; Flushing, NY, USA; Venus Williams of the United States in action against Karolina Muchova of Czech Republic in the first round of the women’s singles at the US Open at Arthur Ashes Stadium in Billie Jean King National Tennis Centre. Mandatory Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images
Over the course of her career, Williams has won Wimbledon five times and the U.S. Open twice. While an Australian Open singles title has eluded her, she has claimed four women’s doubles championships in Melbourne and one mixed doubles title.
Tournament organizers have yet to announce recipients of the remaining men’s wild cards. Among those awaiting confirmation is Australian star Nick Kyrgios, who recently returned to competition after winning last week’s Battle of the Sexes exhibition match.
Williams’ appearance in Melbourne adds a historic and emotional storyline to the 2026 Australian Open, as one of tennis’s most influential figures prepares for another chapter on one of the sport’s biggest stages.
