MELBOURNE, Australia — Venus Williams, a seven-time Grand Slam singles champion, is set to make her return to the Australian Open this January 18. This marks 28 years since her first appearance at this prestigious tournament.
In 1998, Williams made waves when she defeated her sister, Serena, in the second round. She narrowly missed advancing further, losing to Lindsay Davenport in the quarterfinals. Fast forward to now, at 45, she’s excited to compete again in Melbourne.
Williams recently shared on social media about her enthusiasm for the tournament: “I’m looking forward to competing during the Australian summer. I have so many wonderful memories there, and I’m grateful for the chance to return to a place that means so much to me.”
Historically, Williams has a notable track record at Melbourne Park, with 54 wins and 21 losses. This year will be her 22nd entry into the main draw. If she plays, she will become the oldest woman to do so, surpassing Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was 44 in her last appearance in 2015.
Before the Australian Open, Williams will also compete in Auckland, New Zealand, where she received a wild card entry for a WTA tournament.
Interestingly, women’s participation in sports like tennis has grown significantly over the years. According to a recent survey by the Women’s Sports Foundation, interest in women’s sports has risen by 30% in the last five years. This makes Williams’ return even more special, showcasing the evolving landscape of women’s athletics.
Venus married Danish model and actor Andrea Preti in December, adding a personal milestone to her career. Fans are eagerly awaiting her performance, reflecting on the legacy she has built in the sport over almost three decades.
For more insights into the Australian Open and its history, visit the official Australian Open website.
