Organizers of the 2026 Australian Open have confirmed that seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams has been handed a wildcard for the tournament.
At 45 years old, Williams will become the oldest woman ever to compete in the main draw of the season-opening Grand Slam, surpassing the previous record held by Japan’s Kimiko Date, who competed at age 44.
The American icon, who first graced the courts of Melbourne Park nearly three decades ago, is set to return to the main draw for the first time since 2021.
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“I’m excited to be back in Australia and looking forward to competing during the Australian summer,” said Williams.
“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.”
An Australian Open singles finalist in 2003 and 2017, Williams is a five-time Wimbledon champion and also won two US Opens.
