American tennis icon Venus Williams is set to make a remarkable return to the Australian Open in 2026 after being awarded the eighth and final women’s wildcard. This marks her first appearance at Melbourne Park since 2021 and her first competition outside the United States since 2023.
Williams, who staged a significant comeback to professional tennis in July 2025, will also compete at the Hobart International as part of her preparation for the Australian Open. At Hobart, she joins a competitive field that includes fellow Grand Slam champions Barbora Krejcikova and Emma Raducanu.
Venus Williams: A Return to Australia
“I’m excited to be back in Australia and looking forward to competing during the Australian summer,” Williams expressed. “I’ve had so many incredible memories there, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to return to a place that has meant so much to my career.”
At 45, Williams is poised to become the oldest woman to compete in an Australian Open main draw, surpassing the previous record held by Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was 44 in 2015. Williams is no stranger to success at the Australian Open, having reached the singles finals in 2003 and 2017. Her illustrious career includes five Wimbledon titles and two US Open victories.
Overcoming Health Challenges
Williams’ return to the court comes after overcoming significant health challenges. She underwent surgery for uterine fibroids in August 2024, a condition she openly discussed on social media, noting its impact on her tennis career and overall well-being.
With her health restored, Williams made a triumphant return at the Washington DC tournament, her first event in nearly 18 months. There, she defeated world No.35 Peyton Stearns, becoming the oldest woman to win a tour-level match since Martina Navratilova’s victory at Wimbledon in 2004.
Recent Performances and Future Prospects
At the US Open, Williams showcased her resilience by pushing 11th seed Karolina Muchova to three sets in singles and advancing to the doubles quarterfinals with partner Leylah Fernandez. Her upcoming participation in Australia will be her first singles outing since that memorable match at Arthur Ashe Stadium.
“I play an exciting brand of tennis. It’s a lot of fun to go literally hog wild out there and hit as hard as I can. I’m happiest when I can just hit hard,” Williams remarked. Reflecting on her recent performances, she added, “You never stop learning. I learned so much. I’m still learning about myself.”
“Today it’s night and day how much better I felt, so I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to play in feeling better, and at that rate, have a real chance.”
Looking Ahead
Williams’ return to the Australian Open is not just a personal milestone but also a significant moment for the sport, highlighting her enduring legacy and determination. As she prepares for the challenges ahead, fans and fellow athletes alike will be watching closely, eager to see how her journey unfolds.
The tennis world will undoubtedly be captivated by her performance, as Williams continues to inspire with her tenacity and passion for the game. Her participation in the Australian summer tournaments promises to be a highlight of the 2026 tennis season.
