Venus Williams is set to return to the Australian Open in 2026. At 45 years old, she will become the oldest player ever to compete in the women’s singles draw at the tournament. The former World No. 1 received a wild card entry and will be making her 22nd appearance in Melbourne.
Venus has not played at the Australian Open since 2021. After spending time away from the sport, she surprised fans by returning to competitive tennis last summer. Her comeback has drawn attention across the tennis world, with many praising her passion and longevity in the game.
In the first round, Venus will face Serbia’s Olga Danilovic. The match is scheduled for Sunday, January 18, and is expected to begin around 2:40 a.m. ET. If Venus advances, fans could witness a highly anticipated clash against American star Coco Gauff in the next round.
The 2026 Australian Open begins on January 18 in Melbourne and will run until February 1. Due to the 16-hour time difference between Melbourne and U.S. Eastern Time, day matches will air in the U.S. around 8 p.m. ET, while night sessions will begin around 3 a.m. ET.
Viewers can watch Venus Williams in action on ESPN, ESPN 2, and the Tennis Channel. Live streaming will also be available through the ESPN App, ESPN+, and Fubo, which is offering a free trial for new subscribers.
Venus has a long and successful history at the Australian Open. She reached the singles final twice and has made multiple deep runs in both singles and doubles over the years. Her return in 2026 is not just about results, but about presence, resilience, and love for the sport.
As she steps back onto the Melbourne courts, Venus Williams continues to inspire fans across generations. Her journey remains one of the most powerful stories in tennis.
