Venus Williams set for historic Australian Open return at age of 45… weeks after marrying Italian partner
Newly-married Venus Williams will set a new record while attempting to roll back the years at the Australian Open after receiving a wildcard entry.
The 45-year-old Williams will return to Melbourne Park some 28 years after her first appearance and become the oldest woman to compete in the main draw of the year-opening grand slam by surpassing Kimiko Date, who was 44 at the 2015 tournament.
She hasn’t played in Melbourne since 2021 nor anywhere outside North America since 2023, with health issues derailing her career.
The tennis icon, who married Danish-born model and actor Andrea Preti at Palm Beach, Florida earlier this month, returned to the WTA Tour in the United States last July, less than a year after she underwent surgery for uterine fibroids.
Williams gave 11th seed Karolina Muchova a scare in the first round of last year’s US Open – where she also earned a wildcard invite – eventually losing 6-3 2-6 6-1.
The seven-time major winner, who was given the eighth and final women’s wildcard, can’t wait to see what is possible.
Newly-married Venus Williams is set to make a return to the Australian Open at the age of 45
Williams married Italian model and actor Andrea Preti in a second ceremony earlier this month
‘I’m excited to be back in Australia,’ she said, revealing she will also play the Hobart International.
‘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.’
Williams defeated younger sister Serena in 1998, marking her Australian Open debut with the first of 31 sibling showdowns on the circuit.
The sisters faced off in the 2003 and 2017 Open finals, with Serena prevailing on both occasions.
‘Venus is a true legend and trailblazer of our sport – she’s an inspiration to us all,’ Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley said.
Williams tied the knot with Preti, 37, in a second ceremony in Florida before Christmas, months after they first wed in Italy.
The happy couple held six days of luxurious dinners and celebrations in Palm Beach with their closest friends and family. And Williams told Vogue that Serena even gifted her a yacht which hosted some of their wedding guests.
The tennis icon also received a wildcard entry to last year’s US Open in New York City
‘Serena gave us this gift of a beautiful yacht, and she arranged all the food, everything,’ Williams said of how the romantic week got underway.
‘We had 10 to 12 of our closest family and friends who were in town on the boat, and we were singing, dancing, gossiping, and just enjoying each other.’
Williams and Preti chose to hold a second wedding because paperwork to confirm their first marriage in Italy in September can take up to eight months to become official.
They welcomed members of his family over to the United States just before Christmas and hosted dinners and pool parties leading up to the big day.
