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Seven-time Grand Slam singles champion Venus Williams has been granted a special invitation for the first Grand Slam of the year, commencing on January 18 in the city of Melbourne.

A Landmark Comeback to Melbourne Park

The event organizers confirmed on the weekend that the forty-five-year-old icon will make a return at the tournament venue a remarkable 28 years after her first appearance. Back in 1998, she overcame her sibling Serena in the early stage before exiting in the quarter-finals to fellow American Lindsay Davenport.

Preparing for the Summer Swing

Venus had previously revealed in November her plans to compete in Auckland, New Zealand, where she also received a wild card, a fortnight prior to the Melbourne event. The Australian Open added that Williams is also entered to play a tournament in Hobart, Australia a week later, immediately prior to the start of play at the main venue.

Her most recent visit in Melbourne was in 2021, and she has been a finalist in the singles competition on two occasions, losing to Serena in the championship matches of 2003 as well as 2017.

"I’m excited to be back in the country and looking forward to competing during the Australian summer," Williams stated. "I’ve had so many incredible memories there, and I’m thankful for the opportunity to return to a venue that has been so significant to my career."

Statistical Highlights

Williams' overall record at the Australian Open stands at an notable 54 wins and 21 losses. The upcoming edition will represent the twenty-second occasion she has competed in the primary tournament field.

Setting a Fresh Benchmark

Officials pointed out that Williams is set to become the most senior female player to take part in an Open's main draw, eclipsing the record formerly set by Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was 44 when she was defeated in the opening round at Melbourne Park in 2015.

Latest Life Event

In the final days of December, Williams wed Denmark-born model and actor Andrea Preti in Florida's Palm Beach.