Seven-time major singles champion Venus Williams has been awarded a wildcard to the Australian Open at age 45, making her the oldest woman ever to compete at the season-opening Grand Slam. She will play in the main draw at Melbourne Park for the first time since 2021.

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

Williams, an Australian Open singles finalist in 2003 and 2017, is also a five-time Wimbledon champion and two-time US Open winner. She surpasses Japan’s Kimiko Date, who competed at the tournament at age 44 in 2015.