Venus Williams, a seven-time Grand Slam singles champion and five-time Australian Open finalist, has been awarded a wildcard to compete in the main draw of the 2026 Australian Open at age 45. This makes her the oldest woman to participate in the tournament's main draw, surpassing Japan’s Kimiko Date who was 44 in 2015. Williams, who returned to professional tennis after health struggles and uterine fibroid surgery in August 2024, will compete at Melbourne Park for the first time since 2021 and will prepare at the Hobart International. Her return marks a significant milestone in her career, which includes victories at Wimbledon and the US Open, as well as doubles titles with her sister Serena. Despite criticism from former player Andy Roddick, who stated, \