AUCKLAND – Seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams will compete in the Auckland Classic in January 2026 at the age of 45, tournament organisers announced on Wednesday.
Williams has been granted a wild card entry for the Australian Open warm-up event, scheduled from January 5 to 11, marking another chapter in her storied career. The American star made her comeback at the US Open in August, following a 16-month break from the professional circuit.
“She is one of the great players in the modern era and her performances on the court speak for themselves,” said tournament director Nicolas Lamperin, praising Williams’ dedication and fitness. He noted that she remains in “remarkable shape and form.”
Read More: ITF World Jr Tennis Championship kicks off
“Off the court, Venus has made an equally significant contribution to the game and the development of female players worldwide,” Lamperin added. “She has inspired generations with her unshakeable passion for the sport.” Williams, who won the Auckland Classic in 2015 after defeating Caroline Wozniacki in the final, has an illustrious career featuring five Wimbledon singles titles, two US Opens, and an Olympic gold medal from Sydney 2000.
Lamperin described her return as a “privilege,” urging tennis fans not to miss the chance to watch “one of the sport’s all-time greats in action.” Tournament organisers also confirmed that Japan’s four-time Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka will feature in the event. The Australian Open is set to begin in Melbourne on January 18.