Tennis icon Venus Williams is set to return to the court at the age of 45, after accepting a wild card entry to compete at the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand, in January 2026.
The tournament serves as a key warm-up event ahead of the Australian Open, and her participation marks another remarkable chapter in one of tennis’s most enduring careers.
Williams last appeared on the professional tour at the 2024 US Open, following shortly after a 16-month hiatus. Despite her age, the seven-time Grand Slam champion continues to show an unrelenting passion for the sport.
The American star has a rich history with the Auckland event, having first played there in 2014. A year later, she captured the ASB Classic title, defeating Caroline Wozniacki in a memorable final. Her return more than a decade later highlights her longevity and influence, with very few players remaining competitive on the WTA Tour into their mid-40s.
Williams’ return will undoubtedly add star power to the Auckland Classic, drawing both nostalgic fans and younger audiences inspired by her resilience. While the draw has yet to be released, all eyes will be on how she performs after such a long break from regular competition. For Williams, the tournament will also serve as a crucial test of her match fitness ahead of the 2026 Australian Open.
The American’s illustrious career includes five Wimbledon singles titles, two US Opens, and an Olympic Gold Medal in Sydney in 2000.
Main Photo Credit: Syndication: Desert Sun/USAToday Images
