Tennis News: Venus Williams receives a wild card for the Australian Open
Venus Williams received a wild-card entry to the Australian Open next month, where she will compete 25 years after she made her first appearance at the Grand Slam event.
Venus Williams handed Australian Open wild cardThe 42-year-old has been a finalist there on two occasions, including a defeat against her younger sister, Serena, at the summit clash in the 2017 edition. Venus is now ready to make her 22nd appearance in the season-opening Grand Slam and is backed up by the audience's support.
"I've been competing in the country for over 20 years now and the Australian community has always supported me wholeheartedly," she said. Along with Serena, the seven-time Major winner combined to win the Australian Open women's doubles title four times.
Venus won the mixed doubles title in 1998 alongside compatriot American Justin Gimelstob. On the other hand, Serena will be absent from the event at Melbourne Park after announcing her retirement from tennis at the US Open in 2022.
The Australian Open 2023 will commence at Melbourne Park on January 16, 2023. The 111th edition of the Grand Slam will officially mark the beginning of a new tennis calendar year.
Rafael Nadal and Ashleigh Barty are the current men's and women's singles champions respectively. Barty decided to retire in March 2022, but Nadal is expected to defend his title.
Meanwhile, former number one Venus Williams has never won the Australian Open despite winning Wimbledon five times and the US Open twice.
Now, she will face the likes of Iga Swiatek, Emma Raducanu and other emerging stars who are favourites to win the upcoming tournament.