Australia: American tennis player, Venus Williams has been awarded a wild card entry to play at the Australian Open next month, after competing in the Grand Slam competition for the first time 25 years ago.

Williams, 42, lost to her younger sister, Serena, in the 2017 title match after making it to the final twice in Australia. The player will compete in the season-opening major for the 22nd time.

“I am very excited to be returning to Melbourne to compete at the Australian Open in January,” the seven-time major winner stated

“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,” Venus remarked.

Venus and Serena Williams won the Australian Open women’s doubles title four times. In 1998, Venus and fellow American Justin Gimelstob also won the mixed doubles title. Serena Williams will not compete in the Melbourne Park tournament from 16th to 29th January 2023 after declaring at the US Open that she was prepared to go on from tennis.

“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,” Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley observed.

Williams, who has played only four matches in 2022, joins a women’s draw with 12 major champions, as per the report.

SPORTS: ‘I want to continue in the National team’; Lionel Messi