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A seven-time Grand Slam singles champion Venus Williams has been granted a special invitation for the first Grand Slam of the year, which kicks off on January 18 in Melbourne.

A Landmark Return to Melbourne Park

Tournament officials confirmed on Friday that the forty-five-year-old legend will make a return at Melbourne Park a remarkable 28 years after her debut. During 1998, she overcame her sibling Serena in the second round before exiting in the last eight to fellow American Lindsay Davenport.

Gearing Up for the Australian Summer

The tennis star had previously revealed in the month of November her plans to compete in Auckland, New Zealand, where she also received a wild card, a fortnight before the Australian Open. The Australian Open noted that Williams is scheduled to play a tournament in Hobart, Australia a following week, immediately prior to the action begins at the main venue.

Her most recent visit in Melbourne was in 2021, and she has finished runner-up in the singles competition on two separate instances, losing to Serena in the finals of 2003 and 2017.

"I’m excited to return in Australia and looking forward to playing during the Australian summer," Williams said. "I have experienced so many unforgettable moments there, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to go back to a place that has meant so much to my professional journey."

Statistical Highlights

Williams' overall record at the Australian Open stands at an notable 54 wins and 21 defeats. The upcoming edition will mark the 22nd time she has competed in the main draw.

Establishing a Fresh Benchmark

The tournament pointed out that Williams is poised to be the oldest woman to take part in an Open's main draw, surpassing the record previously held by Japanese Kimiko Date, who was forty-four when she lost in the first round at Melbourne Park in 2015.

Recent Personal Milestone

In late December, Williams married Danish-born model and actor Andrea Preti in Palm Beach, Florida.