Australian Open 2026: Venus Williams, 45, receives wildcard for tournament

Venus Williams will become the oldest female player to compete in the Australian Open main draw at the age of 45.

The seven-time Grand Slam champion received the final women’s wild card for the tournament, which starts on January 18.

Williams last lost to Italian Sara Errani in the second round at Melbourne Park in 2021.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to return to a place that has meant so much to my career,” he said.

The American, a two-time runner-up at the year’s first Grand Slam event, will surpass the record set by Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was 44 when she played the event in 2015.