This marks Williams' first Grand Slam outside the United States since 2023, and her return to Melbourne Park after nearly five years.

At the 2021 Australian Open, Williams won her opening match before losing swiftly to Sara Errani 1-6, 0-6 in the second round. Throughout her career, she reached the finals of the tournament two times, in 2003 and 2017, both times falling to her younger sister, Serena Williams.

Before the 2026 Australian Open, Williams will warm up at the Auckland Open (WTA 250) from 5/1 to 11/1, where she also received a wildcard.

Venus Williams returns a shot during a women's doubles quarterfinal match at the US Open in New York on 2/9/2025. Photo: AP

In 2024, Williams played only two matches and missed all four Grand Slams. In 2025, she declined an invitation to Indian Wells in March before competing with wildcards at the DC Open and US Open. Despite having no world ranking, Williams made headlines by defeating fellow American Peyton Stearns in the first round of the DC Open, becoming the oldest player to win a singles match on the tour since Martina Navratilova (47 years old at Wimbledon 2004). At the subsequent Cincinnati Open, Williams urged fans "not to count her out" of future playing plans, even mentioning the possibility of continuing to play in 2026.

Born in 1980, Williams rose to become a world-leading player in the 2000s, reaching the finals of all four Grand Slams, including two US Open victories and five Wimbledon championships.

Meanwhile, Serena Williams, Venus's younger sister and owner of 23 Grand Slam titles, also hinted at a potential return by rejoining the world tennis doping control pool. However, Serena, 44, confirmed in December that she has no plans for a comeback.

The 2026 Australian Open is the opening Grand Slam of the tennis season, taking place from 12/1 to 1/2 in Melbourne. The tournament brings together most of the world's top players in both men's and women's draws. Its characteristic hard courts often produce upsets from the early rounds. The Australian Open also serves as a benchmark for players' form after the winter break and pre-season preparation.

The 2026 Australian Open granted two wildcards to American female players, with the other spot going to Elizabeth Mandlik, the 24-year-old who won the United States Tennis Association's wildcard challenge.

By Hong Duy (Source: The New York Times)