Australian Open 2023: Venus Williams gets wild card entry for the first time in 25 years

Veteran tennis player, Venus Williams has been given a wild card entry into the main draw of the Australian Open 2023. The tournament will begin on January 16 at Melbourne Park. It was the first time in 25 years that Venus had to rely on a wild card to enter a Grand Slam.

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42-year-old Venus has made it to the final twice in the Australian Open. She lost to her younger sister Serena Williams in 2017 final. Moreover, this will be the 22nd occasion when Venus will take part in the Australian Open. She first made its appearance here in 1998. In addition to her appearances in the 2003 and 2017 finals, former world No. 1 Williams has reached the quarterfinal stage on at least nine occasions.

In addition, Venus and Serena jointly won the Australian Open women's doubles title four times. Venus also won the mixed doubles title in 1998 with fellow American Justin Gimelstob. However, Serena Williams will miss the Australian Open 2023 tournament at Melbourne Park after announcing she was ready to retire from tennis at the US Open.

"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 honor to play for the fans again and I'm looking forward to making more memories at the tournament this year." The seven-time major winner said in an official statement issued by the Australian Open. Venus has been away from the tennis court for the past two years due to injury. "I am very excited to be returning to Melbourne to compete at the Australian Open in January." Williams further added.

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A former world No. 1 in both singles and doubles, Williams has won seven Grand Slam singles titles. Which include five at Wimbledon and two at the US Open. She is one of the all-time greats of the sport.