Venus Williams returns to Australian Open at 45; list of oldest women to compete in season-opening tennis Grand Slam

Venus Williams will write her name into history books when the seven-time Grand Slam singles champion makes her return to Melbourne Park as the oldest woman to compete in a season-opening major. The 45-year-old, older of the Williams sisters, Venus, has been given a wildcard entry by the Australian Open organisers.

Venus will feature in the main draw of the Australian Open for the first time since 2021. It will be her 22nd appearance at the Australian Open and first at the venue after five years. Venus will surpass Japan’s Kimiko Date, who held the record previously, aged 44, at the 2015 Australian Open.

“I’m excited to be back in Australia and looking forward to competing during the Australian summer,” Venus said. “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,” she added.

Venus Williams' record at Australian Open

Venus made her Australian Open debut in 1998, defeating her younger sister Serena in the second round. However, she lost to Lindsay Davenport in the last 8 stage. However, Venus is still awaiting her first single title at the season-opening Grand Slam.

Venus's best finish at the Australian Open singles event came in 2003 and 2017, when she lost to Serena in the finals. The USA-born has had success in doubles at the Australian Open, winning in 2001, 2003, 2009 and 2010, all with Serena as her partner.

The last time Venus played at a Grand Slam was in 2025, when she got a wild card at the US Open. She lost to Karolina Muchova in singles and to Riley Opelka in mixed doubles, both in opening rounds. But she managed to reach the quarterfinals in women's doubles with Leylah Fernandez, her first Grand Slam last 8 finish since 2017.

When will Venus Williams start Australian Open prep?

Venus, who got married to Danish-born model and actor Andrea Preti last month, will start her Australian Open 2026 preparations at the Auckland Classic next week. She will then play in a Hobart event.

Oldest women players at Australian Open (singles main draw)

Oldest women players at Grand Slam (singles main draw)