Venus Williams accepts Australian Open wild card
WTA
Venus Williams has accepted a wild card entry into the main draw of the Australian Open, confirming a return to tennis in 2023.
Williams' future had been somewhat uncertain after the US Open. Her sister and 23-time Grand Slam singles champion, Serena Williams, bid farewell to tennis at Flushing Meadows after losing in the third round.
Serena and Venus, who have won 14 Grand Slam doubles titles and three Olympic gold medals as a partnership, played together one final time at the US Open, falling in the opening round in New York.
Many wondered whether Venus would want to continue with Serena now retired. The seven-time Grand Slam singles winner is 42 years old and only returned to tennis after almost a year out at this year's Wimbledon Championships.
However, Venus strongly hinted that she planned to play again in a recent YouTube video, mentioning that she had been practicing regularly since the US Open and still enjoyed being on the court.
That has now been confirmed after Venus accepted a wild card into the 2023 Australian Open women's singles. The tennis legend was the runner-up in Melbourne in 2003 and 2017, and she and tournament director Craig Tiley made statements about the move.
“I am very excited to be returning to Melbourne to compete at the Australian Open in January, 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 this year.”- Venus Williams
“Venus is not just an incredible player and fan favorite, she’s a great role model and leader in our sport in so many ways. We are delighted to welcome her back to the AO in January."
Venus always attracts crowds wherever she plays, and the Australian fans will be excited to watch her compete at the opening Grand Slam of the year once again.
