Venus Williams, 45, Makes History at Australian Open

At 45, Venus Williams is about to shatter an age barrier that shows the world retirement timelines are outdated.

The seven-time Grand Slam champion received a wild card entry to the Australian Open, making her the oldest woman ever to compete in the tournament's singles main draw. She'll break the record currently held by Japan's Kimiko Date, who was 44 when she played in 2015.

Williams returned to professional tennis last season after a 16-month break, diving back into the sport she's dominated for decades. At Melbourne Park on Saturday, she thanked Tennis Australia for believing in her comeback story.

"It's been five years since I have been here. They flew by, and I'm super, super grateful for the opportunity," Williams told reporters. She added that fan support has been overwhelming in tournaments and around the city.

The wild card decision sparked some debate, with critics questioning whether emerging players deserved the spot more. But tennis champions Andy Roddick and Kim Clijsters strongly supported Williams' participation, recognizing her continued drive and legacy.

Williams hasn't let the chatter shake her focus. She spent three months training nonstop while also planning her December wedding to Italian Andrea Preti.

"There were periods where I was super busy so I'd have to take a week off here or three days off there, but for the most part I was training and trying to get myself back in the groove," she explained. She faces 24-year-old Serbian Olga Danilovic in the first round.

Why This Inspires

Williams' return sends a powerful message about defying expectations at any stage of life. While she's faced first-round exits in recent tournaments, her determination to compete at the highest level shows that passion doesn't have an expiration date.

Her honest approach to her comeback resonates beyond tennis. "At this point, I need to be kind to myself, because I'm getting so many things right," she said, acknowledging the challenge of limited match play while celebrating her progress.

The two-time Melbourne Park finalist believes she's playing the tennis she needs to play, controlling points and setting herself up for success. Whether she wins or loses, Williams is already winning by showing up and doing what she loves on her own terms.

Age records are meant to be broken, and Venus Williams is doing exactly that.