Australian Open 2026: Venus Williams gets a wild card, will be the oldest woman ever to compete in the main draw
Venus Williams, a seven-time Grand Slam champion, received a wildcard for the 2026 Australian Open at age 45, making her the oldest woman to compete in the tournament's main draw.
Last Updated: 03.04 PM, Jan 02, 2026
In a move that has stunned and delighted tennis fans globally, tournament organisers confirmed today that seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams has been awarded a wildcard for the 2026 Australian Open.
At 45 years old, Williams will become the oldest woman ever to compete in the main draw of the season-opening Grand Slam, surpassing the previous record held by Japan’s Kimiko Date, who competed at age 44. The American icon, who first graced the courts of Melbourne Park nearly three decades ago, is set to return to the main draw for the first time since 2021.
"Incredible memories"
"I’m excited to be back in Australia and looking forward to competing during the Australian summer," Williams said in a statement released Friday.
"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."
A two-time finalist in Melbourne (2003 and 2017), Venus remains one of the most beloved figures in the sport.
While her sister Serena has long since transitioned away from the tour, Venus’s longevity continues to defy sports science. She is expected to begin her warm-up preparations at the Auckland Classic next week before arriving in Melbourne for the tournament, which runs from January 18 to February 1.
2025 has been a powerful year for Venus
The 2025 season served as a powerful testament to Williams’s grit, as she navigated a high-profile comeback following a 16-month hiatus and major surgery.
The turning point arrived in July at the Mubadala Citi DC Open, where she stunned the tennis world by defeating world No. 35 Peyton Stearns in straight sets. This vintage performance not only proved her competitive edge but also etched her name in the history books as the second-oldest woman to win a WTA tour-level singles match.
She carried this momentum into a record-extending 25th US Open appearance, where she pushed 11th seed Karolína Muchová to the brink in a three-set opening-round epic under the lights of Arthur Ashe Stadium, further solidifying her physical readiness for the demands of the Grand Slam stage.
Beyond the baseline, Williams enters 2026 buoyed by significant personal milestones and a renewed sense of well-being.
Off the court, the tennis icon celebrated a winter of joy, marrying Danish-born model and actor Andrea Preti in an elaborate series of ceremonies across Italy and Palm Beach in late 2025.
Her resurgence was also evident in the doubles circuit, where she reached the US Open quarterfinals alongside Leylah Fernandez, showcasing a level of fitness many thought was behind her.
By claiming the final discretionary wildcard spot for the 2026 Australian Open, Williams joins a field of rising stars and local favorites, ready to become the oldest woman to ever compete in the Melbourne main draw.
Women’s Singles wild cards
Men’s Singles wild cards
How to watch the Australian Open 2026 in India?
In India, tennis fans can watch the Australian Open 2026 on SonyLIV, accessible via OTTplay Premium.