Seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams has received a wild card entry into the main draw at the 2026 Australian Open.
This will mark her first appearance at Melbourne Park since 2021 and her first competition outside the United States since 2023. Notably, of her seven Grand Slam singles titles, she has yet to claim one in Melbourne. Venus reached the finals twice, in 2003 and 2017, but both times her sister, 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams, emerged victorious.
In addition to her two Australian Open finals, Venus achieved semifinal finishes in 2001 and advanced to the quarterfinals six times, contributing to a tournament win-loss record of 54-21.
“I’m excited to be back in Australia and looking forward to competing during the Australian summer. 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,” Venus stated.
At 45 years old, she is set to become the oldest woman to compete in an Australian Open main draw, surpassing the previous record held by Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was 44 when she lost in the first round of the 2015 Australian Open.
After a 16-month layoff, Venus returned to tennis last July and participated in three tournaments in 2025. She defeated compatriot Peyton Stearns 6-3, 6-4 in the first round at the Mubadala Citi DC Open before falling to Magdalena Frech.
In August, Williams faced Spain’s Jessica Bouzas-Maneiro, losing 4-6, 4-6 in the first round of Cincinnati. She took 11th seeded Karolina Muchova to three sets in the first round of the US Open. In doubles, partnering with Leylah Fernandez, Williams advanced to the quarterfinals, where they were defeated by eventual finalists Katerina Siniakova and Taylor Townsend.
Venus will prepare for the 2026 Australian Open at the Hobart International, where she has also received a wildcard and will join fellow major champions Barbora Krejcikova and Emma Raducanu.
The Australian Open 2026 main draw begins on January 18.