Venus Williams, 45, Accepted Wildcard to 2026 Australian Open, Becomes Oldest Woman in Melbourne Main Draw
Venus Williams, 45, accepted a wildcard for the 2026 Australian Open, becoming the oldest woman to compete in Melbourne's main draw and making 22nd appearance.
FOX NewsVenus Williams set to become oldest woman in Australian Open main draw with wild-card entry
Daily BeastVenus Williams, 45, Set to Make Tennis History With Wild Card Appearance
CBS NewsVenus Williams gets wild card for 2026 Australian Open at age 45, 5 years after last appearance
Al JazeeraVenus Williams gets Australian Open wildcard aged 45
Overview
Venus Williams, 45 and seven-time Grand Slam champion, accepted a wildcard to the 2026 Australian Open, marking her return to Melbourne Park's main draw starting January 18.
Her entry makes her the oldest woman to compete in an Australian Open main draw at 45, surpassing Kimiko Date's previous record of 44 years.
Williams will make her 22nd Melbourne Park main-draw appearance, holding a 54–21 career record there since her 1998 debut and finals appearances in 2003 and 2017.
Ahead of Melbourne, she is scheduled to play in Auckland and Hobart; the Auckland wildcard arrives roughly two weeks before the Australian Open begins.
Off court, Williams married Danish model-actor Andrea Preti in Palm Beach, Florida, in late December, a personal development ahead of her 2026 season.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame Venus Williams' return to the Australian Open as a remarkable comeback story, emphasizing her age and historical significance. Language choices like "incredible memories" and "electric run" highlight her achievements, while the focus on her age and past victories underscores her enduring legacy. The narrative is structured to celebrate her resilience and contribution to tennis history.