Australian Open 2026: Venus Williams Ready for the Challenge as She Competes at 45
Seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams said on Saturday that she is “ready for the challenge” as she prepares to become the oldest woman to compete at the Australian Open at the age of 45.
The American legend is returning to Melbourne Park for the first time in five years and said she is grateful for the opportunity to prove that she still has what it takes. The former world No. 1, now ranked 576, will face Serbia’s world No. 68 Olga Danilovic in the first round on Sunday after receiving a wildcard entry.
Williams has played only sparingly in recent years and was knocked out in the first round of both her warm-up tournaments.
“I’m extremely grateful to Tennis Australia for giving me this opportunity,” Williams said. “I’m thankful to be able to play in front of the fans.
“I’ve received so much support — at the last tournament, walking around the city, and everywhere I go. My hope is simply to play my best.”
A five-time Wimbledon champion, Williams was a singles finalist at the Australian Open in 2003 and 2017, and she has also won the doubles title four times alongside her sister Serena.
“This is the best place on earth to play,” she said.
“I have so many great memories here. I love challenges, so I’m ready for it.”
When asked about surpassing Japan’s Kimiko Date, who lost in the first round at the age of 44 in 2015, Williams replied: “I hadn’t thought about it until it came up in the press, so yes, it’s a nice thing for me.”
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