Venus Williams, 45, gets Australian Open wildcard

Image caption, Venus Williams made her debut at the Australian Open in 1998Venus Williams is set to become the oldest female player to compete in the Australian Open main draw at the age of 45.

The seven-time Grand Slam champion has received the final women's wildcard for the tournament, which begins on 18 January.

Williams last appeared at Melbourne Park in 2021 when she was beaten by Italy's Sara Errani in the second round.

"I'm grateful for the opportunity to return to a place that has meant so much to my career," she said.

The American, twice a runner-up in the first Grand Slam event of the year, will surpass the record of Japan's Kimiko Date, who was 44 when she played at the event in 2015.

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