Venus Williams in orbit, returns to Australian Open after 2021
The New Year promises to be one hell of a roller coaster ride for tennis fans, what with the Australian Open set to be held in Melbourne from January 12 to February 1. First came the announcement this would be the last year for ageless wonder Stan Wawrinka, a face Indian fans are familiar with. He turns 41 this March and has won three Majors. What has been defining is his longevity and willingness to compete against the younger and fitter players.
Add to it what all Novak Djokovic has said in recent interviews. He is hell bent on strengthening his body further and wants to play as long as possible. Passion, a drive to keep pushing, and even willing to stretch his career till the Los Angeles Olympics in 2028, Novak says he will go full tilt. And this, despite not having won a Major in two years. He did win the gold medal at the Paris 2024 Olympics on clay, something which saw him burst into emotions and tears.
On Friday, women’s former queen, Venus Williams accepted a wild card for the Australian Open. To say she set the internet on fire would be stating the obvious. At 45, Venus recently got married to Andrea Preti last month. For those not familiar, Venus, the elder Williams sibling was more dominant 25 years ago when she and Serena burst onto the scene.
Serena retired and still keeps teasing fans on how much she misses the sport. However, one should not be surprised if Serena decides to return to doubles tennis this year.
Indeed, the surprise has been Venus, who kept a very low profile over the last two years. More absences than presence defined her 2024 career. This time, she is plunging herself into the tennis tour headlong. Venus, winner of seven Grand Slam singles titles, will be making her first appearance at the Melbourne Park since 2021. It also marks the first time she will be playing competitive tennis outside the USA since 2023.
“I’m excited to be back in Australia and looking forward to competing during the Australian summer,” said Venus Williams. “I’ve had so many incredible memories there, and I am grateful for the opportunity to return to a place that has meant so much to my career,” added Venus, who will play two events before the AO Down Under.
For the record, Venus becomes the oldest player to compete in an AO main draw. The previous record stood in the name of Kimiko Date. She was 44 when she lost in the first round in Melbourne in 2015.
Venus has won five Wimbledon singles trophies and is attempting to turn the clock back. She knows there are several players out there, led by Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek who are solid and potent players. But then, none can stop the romance of a player wishing to push hard at 45, despite dealing with a few medical conditions.
That’s, Venus Ebony Starr Williams for you.
