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5h ago

Venus Williams, 45, Granted Wildcard for Auckland’s ASB Classic to Open 2026 Season

Her Auckland return positions the seven-time major champion for an Australian Open push that remains unconfirmed.

Sep 2, 2025; Flushing, NY, USA; Venus Williams of the United States and Leylah Fernandez of Canada in action against Taylor Townsend of the United States and Katerina Siniakova of Czech Republic in the quarterfinal of the women's doubles at the US Open at Louis Armstrong Stadium in Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Frey-Imagn Images/File Photo
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Overview

  • Organisers announced the wildcard on Wednesday for the WTA 250 event in Auckland, scheduled January 5–11.
  • The appearance launches Williams’ 33rd consecutive professional season since turning pro in 1994.
  • Williams resumed competition in mid-2025 after a long break, beating then–No. 35 Peyton Stearns in Washington and pushing No. 11 Karolina Muchova to three sets at the US Open.
  • Auckland tournament director Nicolas Lamperin said Williams is in remarkable shape and praised her impact on the sport.
  • Naomi Osaka is also confirmed for the ASB Classic, which precedes the Australian Open starting January 18, with any Melbourne wildcard for Williams yet to be announced.