Venus Williams set for 22nd Australian Open – ‘It will be an honour to play for the fans again’

Shahida Jacobs 19 Dec 2022 6:27 AM

Venus Williams’ tennis journey will continue in 2023 as the seven-time Grand Slam winner has accepted a wildcard for the Australian Open.

The 42-year-old tennis great has played very little tennis this year due to injury, but there is no retirement in sight as she will kick off her new campaign Down Under.

Williams is a two-time finalist at Melbourne Park having lost in 2003 and 2017 to her sister Serena and next year’s appearance will be her 22nd at the season-opening hard-court Grand Slam.

“I am very excited to be returning to Melbourne to compete at the Australian Open in January,” the American said.

“I’ve been competing in the country for over 20 years now and the Australian community has always supported me wholeheartedly. It will be an honour to play for the fans again and I’m looking forward to making more memories at the tournament this year.”

Williams missed this year’s Australian Open due to injury while she exited in the second round in 2021.

The tennis icon competed in only four singles events this season – losing all four of her matches – with the last coming at the US Open at Flushing Meadows in August.

There had been doubts over whether she would follow in 23-time Grand Slam winner Serena’s footsteps and “evolve away from tennis”, but there is no talk of retirement just yet.

Australian Open Tournament Director Craig Tiley added: “Venus is not just an incredible player and fan favourite, she’s a great role model and leader in our sport in so many ways.

“We are delighted to welcome her back to the AO in January.”

Williams is expected to start her season at the Auckland Open in New Zealand with tournament director Nicolas Lamperin previously stating that she will be in the draw for the WTA 250 event if she receives a wildcard for the Australian Open.

“We’re still waiting to hear from our friends in Australia. We’re hoping for some good news in the next few days,” Lamperin said.

“The Australian Open is coming soon and I would expect them to start announcing some wildcards pretty soon.”

Now that Lamperin got his wish, Williams is expected to be awarded a wildcard for the Auckland tournament too. Williams won the event in 2015 while she finished runner-up in 2014.

The Auckland Open will run from January 2 to 8 while the Australian Open gets underway on January 16.