Venus Williams will play at the 2023 Australian Open
The older of the Williams sisters has been given a wild card to compete in the first Grand Slam tournament of the season.
For Venus Williams age is just a number. Serena’s sister still enjoys playing tennis and her body is allowing her to do it at the age of 42.
Although she’s well past her prime and her level has decreased considerably at the top level, Williams will compete at the Australian Open 25 years after her debut in the tournament after being awarded a wild card.
Williams, a two-time singles finalist in Australia, has only played four tournaments this season, but that doesn’t hide the fact that she’s an all-time great with seven Grand Slam tournament titles.
One of Venus’ favorite atmospheres
“I am very excited to be returning to Melbourne. It will be an honor to play for the fans again”, the former world No.1 said.
“The Australian community has always supported me wholeheartedly. I’m looking forward to making more memories at the tournament this year”, Williams added.
Meanwhile, the Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley said that Venus “is not just an incredible player and fan favorite, she’s a great role model and leader in our sport in so many ways”.
Williams, who will make her 22nd appearance at the AO, is ranked 1,007th in the world. Her last singles match at the top level was at the US Open in August, losing in the first round to Alison Van Uytvanck in two sets.
Williams will not only be one of the big names to compete at the Australian Open, as nine-time champion Novak Djokovic will also compete in Melbourne a year after being deported from Australia because of his Covid-19 vaccination status.