Tennis legend Venus Williams, a seven-time Grand Slam champion, is set to return to the professional circuit once again — this time at the Auckland Classic in January, at the age of 45, tournament organisers confirmed on Wednesday.
Williams, who remains one of the most decorated players in modern tennis history, has been granted a wildcard entry into the Australian Open warm-up event, scheduled to take place from 5–11 January. Her return follows a lengthy 16-month absence from competitive tennis, which ended in August when she competed at the US Open.
Tournament director Nicolas Lamperin hailed Williams as an enduring symbol of excellence and resilience in the sport.
“She is one of the great players of the modern era and her achievements on court speak for themselves,” Lamperin said. “She is in remarkable shape and form, and her commitment to the sport continues to inspire generations.”
He further added that Williams’s impact extends far beyond her achievements on court:
“Off the court, Venus has made an equally significant contribution to the global development of women’s tennis. Her influence on the evolution of the women’s game has been profound, motivating countless young athletes to pursue excellence.”
A Champion’s Legacy
Williams has enjoyed a storied career spanning more than two decades, with an impressive five Wimbledon singles titles, two US Open crowns, and an Olympic gold medal in singles, earned at the Sydney Games in 2000.
She is also a former champion at the Auckland Classic, where she triumphed in 2015 by defeating Caroline Wozniacki in a thrilling final — a victory that remains one of the most memorable moments in the tournament’s history.
Lamperin expressed his excitement about hosting Williams once again:
“It’s a privilege to welcome Venus back to Auckland. Few players embody the spirit and determination of the sport as she does. All sports fans should seize this rare opportunity to see one of tennis’s all-time greats in action.”
Tournament Line-up and Schedule
The Auckland Classic is set to feature several high-profile competitors, including Japan’s Naomi Osaka, a four-time Grand Slam champion, who will also make her much-anticipated return to the court after an extended break from competition.
The event will serve as a key warm-up for players preparing for the Australian Open, which begins in Melbourne on 18 January.
| Tournament | Location | Dates | Notable Players |
|---|---|---|---|
| Auckland Classic | Auckland, New Zealand | 5–11 January 2025 | Venus Williams, Naomi Osaka |
| Australian Open | Melbourne, Australia | 18 January 2025 onwards | Top global players |
As Venus Williams prepares to compete once again on the world stage, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how one of the sport’s most enduring champions performs — nearly three decades after first stepping into the global spotlight.