India, Jan. 2 -- Venus Williams will be returning to the main draw at the Australian Open 2026 after five years. The American legend received the eighth and final women's wildcard on Friday; hence, the 45-year-old will make her first appearance at Melbourne Park since 2021. This will also be her first time competing outside the United States since 2023. According to the organisers of the first Grand Slam of 2026, Williams will be preparing for the Australian Open at the Hobart International, where she will be joining fellow champions Barbora Krejcikova and Emma Raducanu.

The Australian Open has also confirmed that Williams will enter a tournament in Hobart, Australia, a week later, just before play begins at Melbourne Park for the Austra...