Seven-time Grand Slam singles champion Venus Williams will compete at the 2026 Australian Open after receiving a wildcard, making her the oldest woman ever to play at the season-opening Grand Slam.
The 45-year-old American, who has limited her singles appearances in recent years, will return to 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 has won five Wimbledon titles, two US Opens, and was an Australian Open singles finalist in 2003 and 2017.
Williams, also a four-time Australian Open doubles champion, will begin her tournament preparations at the Auckland Classic next week, followed by the Hobart International before Melbourne.
Fellow American and two-time Grand Slam champion Coco Gauff praised Williams’ enduring career, saying, “She’s a legend of the sport, so it will be cool to see her back in action. It’s incredible the longevity of her career. She’s one of the people I looked up to, so looking forward to seeing her back on court.”
Williams will surpass Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was 44 when she played her last Australian Open match in 2015, as the oldest female competitor at the tournament.