Overview
- Australian Open organizers said the final wildcard has gone to Williams, placing her in the main draw that begins on January 18.
- At 45, she will become the oldest main-draw competitor in tournament history, surpassing Kimiko Date’s mark of 44.
- Williams welcomed the chance to return and called Melbourne Park a meaningful place in her career, while tournament director Craig Tiley lauded her as a pioneer.
- She last competed at the Australian Open in 2021 and previously reached the singles finals in 2003 and 2017.
- Following roughly 16 months away from the tour, she resumed play last summer at the DC Open and the US Open and intends to prepare in Hobart.