{"id":1542,"date":"2026-01-02T10:45:56","date_gmt":"2026-01-02T10:45:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tennisring.com\/?p=1542"},"modified":"2026-01-02T10:45:56","modified_gmt":"2026-01-02T10:45:56","slug":"venus-williams-set-to-break-record-as-full-australian-open-womens-wildcard-list-confirmed","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tennisring.com\/?p=1542","title":{"rendered":"Venus Williams set to break record as full Australian Open women\u2019s wildcard list confirmed"},"content":{"rendered":"

Tennis icon Venus Williams has received a wildcard to compete at the 2026 Australian Open, with the full list of wildcard recipients for the women\u2019s singles event now confirmed.<\/p>\n

There had been much anticipation to learn if\u00a0Williams would be given a wildcard for this year\u2019s Australian Open<\/a>, with the American last having played the Melbourne Grand Slam in 2021.<\/p>\n

The former world No 1 and seven-time major singles champion, who is 45, is currently ranked 581st in the WTA<\/a> singles rankings.<\/p>\n

Last year, Williams returned to the tour after an absence of more than a year to play in Washington, Cincinnati and at the US Open.<\/p>\n

The Australian Open confirmed today that Williams had received the eighth and final wildcard for the women\u2019s singles main draw.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m excited to be back in Australia and looking forward to competing during the Australian summer,\u201d said Williams.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve had so many incredible memories there, and I\u2019m grateful for the opportunity to return to a place that has meant so much to my career.\u201d<\/p>\n

Tennis News<\/h2>\n

WTA Auckland Open entry list, prize money, ranking points, key dates: Venus, Svitolina, Eala star<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Serena Williams\u2019 touching tribute to Venus as stunning wedding photos emerge<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n

Williams was a runner-up at the Australian Open in 2003 and 2017, while she was also a semi-finalist in 2001 and a quarter-finalist on a further six occasions.<\/p>\n

Australian Open tournament director Craig Tiley said: \u201cVenus is a true legend and trailblazer of our sport \u2013 she\u2019s an inspiration to us all.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019m delighted we\u2019ll see her on court again at both the Hobart International and Australian Open.\u201d<\/p>\n

At the age of 45, Williams is set to become the oldest woman to play in the Australian Open singles draw. She will break the record held by former Japanese star Kimiko Date, who was 44 when she competed at the 2015 Australian Open.<\/p>\n

Australian Open 2026 women\u2019s singles wildcards<\/h2>\n