Venus Williams Confirmed for Auckland Classic, Fuelling Hope of Australian Open Return
Seven-time Grand Slam champion set to begin 33rd WTA season at the ASB Classic in Auckland with eye on the Australian Open
Venus Williams, aged 45, will kick off her 33rd consecutive season on the Women’s Tennis Association tour by competing at the ASB Classic in Auckland from 5 to 11 January 2026. The announcement by the tournament underlines Williams’s continuing ambition and raises fresh speculation that she may also return to the Australian Open, where she has not played since 2021.
The American icon, a seven-time Grand Slam singles champion, has previously entered the Auckland event on six occasions and claimed the title in 2015. Her entry into the tournament this season—widely seen as the lead-in to the Australian Open—has kindled hopes among fans and commentators that she may again take the Melbourne Park court.
Williams made headlines in her recent comeback, becoming the oldest player since 2004 to win a WTA singles match, after returning from a 16-month lay-off.
Her presence at Auckland, and potential appearance in Melbourne, would mark a remarkable continuation of a storied career that spans three decades.
Despite her current ranking outside the world’s top 500, her value to tournaments lies not only in competitive potential but in her capacity to attract substantial public and media interest.
For both the ASB Classic and Australian Open organisers, her participation offers a compelling narrative to lead the early-season hard court swing.
While no official confirmation has yet been published of a wildcard entry into the Australian Open main draw, Williams’s Auckland appearance strengthens the possibility.
Tennis observers will be watching closely as the season approaches and as draw lists begin to emerge.
For Williams herself, the 2026 season opens with renewed momentum, one more chance to compete at the highest level and further extend her status as one of the sport’s enduring figures.
The American icon, a seven-time Grand Slam singles champion, has previously entered the Auckland event on six occasions and claimed the title in 2015. Her entry into the tournament this season—widely seen as the lead-in to the Australian Open—has kindled hopes among fans and commentators that she may again take the Melbourne Park court.
Williams made headlines in her recent comeback, becoming the oldest player since 2004 to win a WTA singles match, after returning from a 16-month lay-off.
Her presence at Auckland, and potential appearance in Melbourne, would mark a remarkable continuation of a storied career that spans three decades.
Despite her current ranking outside the world’s top 500, her value to tournaments lies not only in competitive potential but in her capacity to attract substantial public and media interest.
For both the ASB Classic and Australian Open organisers, her participation offers a compelling narrative to lead the early-season hard court swing.
While no official confirmation has yet been published of a wildcard entry into the Australian Open main draw, Williams’s Auckland appearance strengthens the possibility.
Tennis observers will be watching closely as the season approaches and as draw lists begin to emerge.
For Williams herself, the 2026 season opens with renewed momentum, one more chance to compete at the highest level and further extend her status as one of the sport’s enduring figures.
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