Venus Williams, 45, will become the oldest female player to compete in the main draw of the Australian Open.
The seven-time Grand Slam champion has been awarded the final women’s wild card for the tournament, which starts on January 18.
Williams last appeared at Melbourne Park in 2021, when she was defeated in the second round by Italy’s Sara Errani.
“I’m grateful for the opportunity to return to a place that has meant so much to me in my career,” she said.
The American, a two-time runner-up in this year’s first Grand Slam, will surpass Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was 44 when she competed in the tournament in 2015.
