Venus Williams thanks Australian Open officials for wildcard entry

MELBOURNE: Venus Williams, a seven-time Grand Slam champion, thanked Australian Open officials on Saturday for a wildcard entry that will see the 45-year-old American become the oldest woman to appear in the singles main draw.

After a 16-month hiatus, Williams made a comeback to tennis last season. She won one of her four tour-level matches before beginning 2026 with a first-round loss to 53rd-ranked Pole Magda Linette as a wildcard at the Auckland Classic last week. World number 576 Williams, who was given another wildcard for the Hobart International, lost to 38-year-old German Tatjana Maria in the opening round. This match included women with the greatest combined age in WTA history. Williams reflected on her return to Melbourne after five years, expressing gratitude for the opportunity, the fans’ support, and her determination to perform at her best.

“It’s been five years since I have been here. They flew by, and I’m super, super grateful for the opportunity from Tennis Australia,” Williams told reporters at Melbourne Park on Saturday. “Grateful for the opportunity to play in front of the fans. I have just received so much support in the tournaments leading up, walking around the city and everything. My hope is to play my best.” With home player Nick Kyrgios in the limelight prior to his decision to withdraw from the men’s singles, the distribution of discretionary wildcards has sparked controversy at the Australian Open.

It is pertinent to mention that organisers subsequently gave 40-year-old former champion Stan Wawrinka a wildcard for the men’s singles. Web Desk