MELBOURNE, Jan. 2 (Xinhua) -- Seven-time Grand Slam singles champion Venus Williams will become the oldest woman to ever compete in the main draw at the Australian Open after tournament organizers on Friday awarded the 45-year-old a wildcard entry.
The Australian Open on Friday confirmed that Williams has been handed the eighth and final women's wildcard for the Grand Slam tournament, which begins at Melbourne Park on January 18 for the main draw.
It will mark the first time that Williams has competed at the Australian Open since 2021 and make her the oldest woman to ever play in the main draw at the tournament, according to a statement released by organizers.
Prior to the Australian Open, Williams will play in her first tournament outside her native country the United States since 2023 at the Hobart International starting in the island state of Tasmania on January 12.
Williams, a two-time singles finalist and five-time doubles champion at the Australian Open, said that she is excited to be back playing in Australia. ■
