Quick Read
- Venus Williams will be the oldest woman in Australian Open main draw at age 45.
- She married model and actor Andrea Preti in two ceremonies in 2025.
- Williams returned to competitive tennis in July 2025 after a 16-month health hiatus.
- Her sister Serena Williams denies comeback rumors despite anti-doping pool re-entry.
- Williams’ career highlights perseverance and the power of adaptation.
Venus Williams: Defying Age and Expectations at the 2026 Australian Open
Venus Williams is no stranger to rewriting tennis history. This January, she will add another chapter to her extraordinary career, becoming the oldest woman ever to compete in the Australian Open’s main draw at 45 years, 7 months, and 1 day. The feat, secured with a wildcard entry, surpasses Kimiko Date-Krumm’s previous age record and sets a new benchmark for longevity in elite sport. Williams’ return isn’t just a technicality—it’s a testament to her enduring passion and the relentless drive that has defined her since her debut in Melbourne back in 1998.
Williams’ Australian Open record is impressive: 54 wins, 21 losses, two runner-up finishes (both to her sister Serena Williams), and five doubles titles, including four with Serena and a mixed doubles crown with Justin Gimelstob. But the numbers only tell part of the story. The anticipation surrounding her 22nd appearance is palpable, not just for what she’s achieved, but for the example she continues to set. Tournament director Craig Tiley calls Williams “a true legend and trailblazer,” and it’s hard to disagree. Her presence in Melbourne this year isn’t just ceremonial—it’s a living reminder of what persistence and love for the game can accomplish.
Personal Triumphs: Marriage and New Beginnings
Off the court, Williams’ life has taken a joyful turn. In 2025, she married Andrea Preti, a Danish-born Italian model and actor, in two ceremonies—first in Ischia, Italy, and later in Palm Beach, Florida. The couple met at Milan Fashion Week in 2024, and their whirlwind romance culminated in a five-day celebration that brought together family and friends from across the globe. Serena Williams, ever the supportive sister, gifted the newlyweds a yacht, adding a splash of glamour to the festivities.
The decision to hold two ceremonies wasn’t just about extravagance; it reflected practical challenges and a desire to honor Venus’ Florida roots. Legal paperwork delayed the official recognition of their Italian marriage, prompting a courthouse wedding in December and a celebration that doubled as a homecoming for the tennis star.
Return to Competition: Overcoming Health Hurdles
Williams’ journey back to the top tier of tennis has been anything but smooth. After a 16-month hiatus due to health complications, including surgery for uterine fibroids, she returned to competitive play in July 2025. At the D.C. Open, Williams stunned fans and commentators alike by defeating Peyton Stearns in the first round, making her the second-oldest woman to win a tour-level singles match since Martina Navratilova in 2004. Her run ended in the second round, but the victory was more than a statistic—it was proof that she still belongs among the sport’s elite.
Her doubles campaign at the D.C. Open, alongside Hailey Baptiste, saw them reach the quarterfinals. Later, at the U.S. Open, Williams received a wildcard but fell in the first round of singles to Karolina Muchova. In women’s doubles, she partnered with Leylah Fernandez, reaching the quarterfinals before bowing out to Taylor Townsend and Katerina Siniakova. These results, while not headline-grabbing, underscore Williams’ resilience and adaptability in a sport that rarely gives second chances.
Serena Williams: Rumors and Reality
While Venus continues to push boundaries, her sister Serena remains a subject of speculation. Serena has re-entered the International Tennis Integrity Agency’s anti-doping pool, which sparked rumors of a possible comeback. Yet, she has been clear in her public statements: “Omg yall I’m NOT coming back. This wildfire is crazy.” Despite denials, figures like Patrick Mouratoglou and Novak Djokovic have voiced hopes for her return, citing her physical readiness. Notably, Serena has never used the word “retirement,” preferring to call her exit from tennis an “evolution.”
The Williams sisters’ stories have always intertwined, each one pushing the other to new heights. Even as their paths diverge, their legacy remains inseparable from the narrative of modern tennis.
Legacy in Motion: The Meaning Behind Venus’ Return
Why does Venus Williams’ return matter? It’s more than just an age record. In an era where athletes often retire young, Williams’ presence at the Australian Open challenges assumptions about aging and ambition. Her story is a beacon for anyone who’s been told their best days are behind them. As she prepares for her 22nd Australian Open, Williams isn’t just chasing wins—she’s showing the world that passion, resilience, and reinvention have no expiration date.
- Venus Williams will become the oldest woman to compete in the Australian Open main draw at age 45.
- She recently married model and actor Andrea Preti in two ceremonies.
- Williams returned to the WTA Tour in July 2025 after a 16-month hiatus due to health issues.
- Her sister Serena Williams has denied rumors of a tennis comeback despite re-entering the anti-doping pool.
- Williams’ career continues to inspire, highlighting the power of perseverance and adaptation.
Venus Williams’ 2026 return to the Australian Open is more than a personal milestone—it’s a challenge to conventional wisdom about age and athletic achievement. Her story, shaped by triumphs and setbacks both on and off the court, reminds us that legacy is built not just by breaking records, but by redefining what is possible. In the shifting landscape of professional sports, Williams stands as a living testament to the idea that the finish line is wherever you choose to draw it.