Overview
- Australian Open organizers confirmed she received the eighth and final women's wild card for the 2026 main draw, which begins January 18.
- At 45, she will be the oldest woman to compete in the tournament's main draw, surpassing Kimiko Date's 2015 mark at 44.
- It will be her first appearance at Melbourne Park since 2021 and her first competition outside the United States since 2023.
- She will prepare at the Hobart International on a wild card and is also entered in Auckland in the lead-up.
- The seven-time Grand Slam champion reached the Australian Open finals in 2003 and 2017 and said she is excited and grateful to return.