By Marc McGowan
There will be a Williams sister at Melbourne Park in January.
Venus Williams has scored a main draw wildcard into the Australian Open in a somewhat-surprising development after she played only four singles matches this year – and won just one set.
The Age has confirmed the 42-year-old American’s wildcard is separate from the annual reciprocal arrangement Tennis Australia has with the United States Tennis Association.
Venus Williams has been seen off court more than on it in recent times.Credit:AP
Eight men and eight women will receive wildcards into the Australian Open singles draws, with the Williams decision potentially leaving one less than the usual five for an up-and-coming Australian.
The tennis legend, who took an extended break from the sport at the start of this year, remains a drawcard – the clear appeal for tournament director Craig Tiley – and was runner-up at the Melbourne grand slam in 2003 and 2017.
There was speculation Williams, a seven-time grand slam champion, would receive a wildcard into the 2022 Australian Open, but she decided not to play.
The sole grand slam she did compete at was the US Open, where superstar sibling Serena Williams played what was likely her farewell tournament, although she has since left the door ajar for a comeback.
Serena said before the US Open that she was “evolving away from tennis, toward other things that are important to me”.
The sisters also played doubles together and after their first-round defeat Venus Williams said, “I think I’m retired from doubles now” but indicated her singles career was not over.
“Watch out for next year,” she wrote on Instagram in late August.
The Australian Open, which starts on January 16, will be 1007th-ranked Williams’ 22nd trip to Melbourne Park, and she boasts a 54-21 record at the event after making her debut in 1998.
“I am very excited to be returning to Melbourne to compete at the Australian Open in January,” Williams said.
“I’ve been competing in the country for over 20 years now and the Australian community has always supported me wholeheartedly.
“It will be an honour to play for the fans again, and I’m looking forward to making more memories at the tournament.”
Tiley said in a statement he was “delighted” to welcome Williams back.
“Venus is not just an incredible player and fan favourite; she’s a great role model and leader in our sport in so many ways,” Tiley said.
Williams joins a strong women’s field that includes 12 major champions and an unusually high main draw entry ranking cut-off of No.95.
There is now a strong likelihood there will be only four wildcards given to Australian women, with Storm Sanders, Priscilla Hon, Jaimee Fourlis, Kim Birrell, Maddison Inglis and Olivia Gadecki the best chances.
