Seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams has received a wild card entry into the main draw of the 2026 Australian Open.
It will be her first appearance at Melbourne Park since 2021 and the first time she will compete outside the United States since 2023.
Of her seven Grand Slam singles titles, none have come in Melbourne. Venus reached the final twice, in 2003 and 2017, and on both occasions her sister and 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams emerged victorious.
In addition to her two Australian Open finals, Williams reached the semifinals in 2001 and made six quarterfinal appearances, contributing to her tournament win-loss record of 54-21.
“I’m excited to be back in Australia and looking forward to competing during the Australian summer. 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,” Venus said.
The 45-year-old is set to become the oldest woman to compete in an Australian Open main draw, surpassing the record previously held by Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was 44 when she lost in the first round of the 2015 Australian Open.
Following a 16-month layoff, Venus returned to tennis last July and competed in three tournaments in 2025. She defeated compatriot Peyton Stearns 6-3, 6-4 in the first round of the Mubadala Citi DC Open before falling to Magdalena Frech.
In August, Williams lost to Spain’s Jessica Bouzas-Maneiro 4-6, 4-6 in the first round in Cincinnati and took 11th seed Karolina Muchova to three sets in the opening round of the US Open. In doubles, playing alongside Leylah Fernandez, Williams advanced to the quarterfinals, where they lost to eventual finalists Katerina Siniakova and Taylor Townsend.
Venus will prepare for the Australian Open 2026 at the Hobart International, where she has also received a wild card and will join fellow major champions Barbora Krejcikova and Emma Raducanu.
The Australian Open 2026 main draw begins on January 18.
