Venus Williams at 45: Could she become the oldest Grand Slam player ever?

Venus Williams refuses to retire from tennis. The 45-year-old American will return to the Australian Open in 2026 after receiving a wildcard entry, marking her 17th appearance at the Grand Slam she once reached the final of in 2003 - 23 years ago.

Seven-time Grand Slam champion returns after hiatus

After a 16-month hiatus from April 2024 to July 2025, Venus made her WTA Tour comeback in Washington, where she won her opening match against fellow American Peyton Stearns before falling to Poland’s Magdalena Fręch in the round of 16. She later exited in the first round in Cincinnati, losing to Jessica Bouzas, and suffered an early defeat at the US Open against Czech player Karolína Muchová.

Venus Williams chases history at the Australian Open

Despite recent setbacks, Venus feels competitive and is ready to try again in 2026. She will become the oldest player in Australian Open history and is closing in on Martina Navratilova’s Grand Slam singles record. Navratilova, the Czech-born American, played at Roland Garros and Wimbledon at an older age, competing in singles at 47 in 2004. In doubles, she appeared in majors for the last time in 2006, just before turning 50.

The former world No. 1 and seven-time Grand Slam winner is enjoying life both on and off the court. On December 20, Williams celebrated her second wedding to actor and producer Andrea Preti in the United States, following a first ceremony in Italy on September 23.

Get your game on! Whether you’re into NFL touchdowns, NBA buzzer-beaters, world-class soccer goals, or MLB home runs, our app has it all.

Dive into live coverage, expert insights, breaking news, exclusive videos, and more – plus, stay updated on the latest in current affairs and entertainment. Download now for all-access coverage, right at your fingertips – anytime, anywhere.