Melbourne, 17 January (H.S.): Seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams expressed heartfelt gratitude to Australian Open organizers on Saturday for awarding her a wildcard entry into the 2026 singles main draw. At 45 years old, the American tennis legend will become the oldest woman to compete in the singles main draw of the tournament.

Williams had returned to tennis last season after a 16-month hiatus. She began 2026 at the Auckland Classic, where despite receiving a wildcard, she fell in the first round to Poland's Magda Linette, ranked 53rd in the world.

Subsequently, at the Hobart International, another wildcard entry led to a first-round exit against 38-year-old German Tatjana Maria—a match that became the highest combined-age encounter in WTA History.

Speaking to journalists at Melbourne Park, Venus reflected, “It has been five years since I last came here. Time has flown by. I am immensely grateful to Tennis Australia for this opportunity.Playing in front of the fans means everything to me. I have received tremendous support while exploring the city and during competitions. I will strive to deliver my very best performance.”

Wildcard Allocation Controversy

The allocation of wildcards for the Australian Open sparked considerable debate this year. Questions arose over domestic star Nick Kyrgios, who ultimately withdrew from the men's singles. Kyrgios had completed only four singles matches last season, with his ranking falling outside the top 600.

Organizers subsequently granted a men's singles wildcard to 40-year-old former champion Stan Wawrinka.Some fans questioned why Venus Williams—who has not won a Grand Slam match since 2021—received a wildcard over an emerging player.

However, former Grand Slam champions Andy Roddick and Kim Clijsters vociferously defended her selection.Venus, a two-time finalist at Melbourne Park, will surpass the record of Japan's Kimiko Date, who lost in the first round at age 44 in 2015.

Reacting to the milestone with a smile, Venus remarked, “I hadn't thought about it until the media brought it up. So, yes… it makes me happy.”Rigorous Preparation Amid Personal MilestonesVenus revealed she trained consistently for three months leading into the Grand Slam, even while preparing for her December wedding to Italy's Andrea Petti. “

There were moments when I took a week or a few days off, but mostly I was training and working to regain my rhythm,” she shared.

In the first round, Venus faces 24-year-old Serbian Olga Danilovic, ranked 68th in the world. Exuding confidence, she stated, “Right now, I need to be a bit kinder to myself because I am doing many things right. While I have lacked match play, I am competing well, preparing to win every point, and controlling the game. This is the tennis I want to play.”

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar