CONFIRMED: Venus Williams accepts wildcard to play the Australian Open
Venus Williams is clearly not yet ready to follow sister Serena into retirement, with her accepting a wildcard to play the Australian Open.
The 42-year-old has never won the Australian open singles, despite winning seven Grand Slam titles in her incredible career.
After Wimbledon last year, Venus Williams said she was not ready to retire and planned to get in top shape for one last run, and it appears she is being true to her word.
It will be her 22nd Australian Open, with her missing this year’s event due to injury.
“Venus is not just an incredible player and fan favourite, she’s a great role model and leader in our sport in so many ways,” tournament director Craig Tiley said.
“We are delighted to welcome her back to the AO in January.”
Venus Williams added: “I am very excited to be returning to Melbourne to compete at the Australian Open in January,” Williams said.
“I’ve been competing in the country for over 20 years now and the Australian community has always supported me wholeheartedly. It will be an honour to play for the fans again and I’m looking forward to making more memories at the tournament this year.”
While Venus Williams has never won the Australian Open singles, she has had an awful lot of success in the doubles.
That success includes four women’s doubles titles with Serena, and she also won the mixed doubles in 1998 alongside Justin Gimelstob.
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