Venus Williams Set for Historic 2026 Australian Open Appearance
Venus Williams is set to make history at the 2026 Australian Open. At 45 years and seven months, she will become the oldest woman ever to compete in the tournament’s main draw. The seven-time Grand Slam champion received a wild-card entry from organizers, giving her another chance to shine in Melbourne.
Williams will surpass the previous record set by Japan’s Kimiko Date-Krumm, who competed at 44 in the 2015 Australian Open. “I’m excited to be back in Australia and looking forward to competing during the Australian Open,” 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.”
Record-Breaking Career at the Australian Open
The 2026 tournament will mark Williams’ 22nd appearance at the Australian Open. She holds a strong career record of 54 wins and 21 losses at the event. Williams made her debut in 1998, defeating her younger sister Serena before falling to Lindsay Davenport in the quarterfinals.
While she has never won a singles title in Melbourne, Williams reached the finals twice, losing both times to Serena in 2003 and 2017. Her doubles career at the Open is equally impressive, with four Australian Open doubles titles alongside Serena between 2001 and 2010. She also won the mixed doubles crown in 1998 with Justin Gimelstob.
Comeback After Break From Singles Play
Williams’ return follows a long break from singles competition. In July, she won her first singles match in 16 months at the D.C. Open, defeating 23-year-old Peyton Stearns. This victory made her the second-oldest woman to win a tour-level singles match, behind only Martina Navratilova, who did so at 47.
She credited her fiancé, Danish actor Andrea Preti, for encouraging her to continue playing. “There were so many times where I just wanted to coast and kind of chill,” Williams said. The couple recently married in Florida, celebrating both love and life milestones.
Strong Doubles Run and Preparations for Melbourne
Last summer, Williams also excelled in doubles at the U.S. Open with 22-year-old Leylah Fernandez. The duo reached the quarterfinals without dropping a set before losing to Taylor Townsend and Katerina Siniakova.
Ahead of the Australian Open, Williams plans to compete at the ASB Classic in Auckland and the Hobart International. Her ongoing participation redefines longevity in women’s tennis, showing that age is no barrier to elite competition.
