Venus Williams Set To Be Oldest Woman At Australian Open

Venus Williams is poised to make Australian Open historical past subsequent month, changing into the oldest girl ever to compete within the Tennis match’s principal draw after receiving a wild-card entry from organizers, according to the LA Times.

When the Australian Open begins Jan. 18 in Melbourne, Williams might be 45 years, seven months and someday outdated, surpassing the earlier age report held by Japan’s Kimiko Date-Krumm. Date-Krumm was 44 years outdated when she appeared within the 2015 match, the place she exited within the first spherical.

The upcoming look will mark Williams’ twenty second time competing on the Australian Open, the place she owns a profession report of 54 wins and 21 losses. She made her debut on the occasion in 1998, advancing to the quarterfinals after defeating her youthful sister Serena Williams earlier than falling to Lindsay Davenport.

“I’m excited to be again in Australia and searching ahead to competing through the Australian Open,” she in an announcement. “I’ve had so many unimaginable recollections there, and I’m grateful for the chance to return to a spot that has meant a lot to my profession.”

Although she has by no means captured a singles title in Melbourne, she reached the ultimate twice, shedding to Serena Williams in each the 2003 and 2017 championship matches. Her success on the match extends past singles play. Alongside Serena, Venus claimed 4 Australian Open doubles titles between 2001 and 2010, and she or he additionally gained the combined doubles crown in 1998 with Justin Gimelstob.

Williams’ return to elite competitors follows a gradual comeback after an prolonged break from singles play. In July, she gained her first singles match in 16 months on the D.C. Open, defeating 23-year-old Peyton Stearns. That victory made her the second-oldest girl to win a tour-level singles match, trailing solely Martina Navratilova, who achieved the feat at age 47.

Following that match, Williams shared a private milestone, revealing her engagement to Danish actor and mannequin Andrea Preti. “Yes, my fiancé is right here, and he actually inspired me to maintain taking part in,” she mentioned on the time.

“There had been so many occasions the place I simply wished to coast and form of chill.” Williams and Preti had been married final month in Florida.

Williams additionally loved a powerful doubles run on the U.S. Open final summer season, partnering with 22-year-old Leylah Fernandez. The duo reached the quarterfinals with out dropping a set earlier than being eradicated by Taylor Townsend and Katerina Siniakova.

Ahead of the Australian Open, Williams is scheduled to tune up on the ASB Classic in Auckland and the Hobart International, persevering with a profession that has defied expectations and redefined longevity in ladies’s tennis.

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