The American will become the oldest woman ever to play singles at the Australian Open, surpassing Japan’s Kimiko Date, who competed at age 44 in 2015. It will also mark Williams’s first appearance in the Australian Open singles draw since 2021, following several seasons in which injuries and limited schedules kept her largely away from competition.
Williams, one of the most decorated players in tennis history, said she was eager to return to Australia, a country closely tied to some of the most significant moments of her career. A finalist at the Australian Open in 2003 and 2017, she has also claimed four doubles titles at the tournament.
The former world number one is a five-time Wimbledon champion and a two-time US Open winner, achievements that place her among the most successful players of the Open Era. Despite playing only a handful of singles matches in recent years, her influence and presence in the sport have remained significant.
As part of her buildup to the January 18–February 1 Australian Open, Williams is scheduled to compete at the Auckland Classic next week, followed by the Hobart International. The tournaments will serve as preparation as she continues her comeback after returning to competitive tennis at last year’s US Open, following a 16-month absence from the tour.
Her return has drawn admiration from across the tennis world. Fellow American and two-time Grand Slam champion Coco Gauff described Williams’s continued participation as inspiring, pointing to the longevity of her career and her role as a trailblazer for younger players.
Williams’s appearance in Melbourne is expected to be one of the most closely watched storylines of the tournament, combining history, legacy, and the enduring appeal of one of tennis’s most iconic figures.