### Venus Williams' Remarkable Return to Competitive Tennis at 45 Venus Williams, the iconic tennis player and seven-time Grand Slam champion, is set to make her return to competitive tennis at the age of 45. She has been awarded a wild card to participate in the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand, from January 5 to 11, 2026. This event serves as a warm-up for the Australian Open, marking a significant milestone in her illustrious career. Williams' comeback follows her return to the circuit in August 2024 at the US Open after a 16-month hiatus, showcasing her enduring passion for the sport despite her age [https://www.sinardaily.my/article/731460/focus/sports/venus-williams-to-return-to-auckland-classic-at-the-age-of-45][https://www.straitstimes.com/sport/tennis/venus-williams-to-play-in-auckland]. ### Structure of Venus Williams' Comeback 1. **Background of Comeback** - Williams has a rich history with the Auckland event, having first played there in 2014 and winning the title in 2015 against Caroline Wozniacki [https://www.yardbarker.com/tennis/articles/45_year_old_venus_williams_to_play_at_auckland_classic/s1_17206_43020154]. - Her last competitive appearance was at the 2024 US Open, where she faced challenges, finishing with a 1-3 record in singles for the year [https://www.yardbarker.com/tennis/articles/venus_williams_45_to_start_33rd_season_at_adelaide/s1_17056_43021293]. 2. **Significance of the Auckland Classic** - The ASB Classic is a key event leading up to the Australian Open, providing players with essential match practice [https://www.the-express.com/sport/tennis/189704/venus-williams-comeback-ASB-Classic]. - Williams' participation is expected to draw significant attention, adding star power to the tournament [https://www.skysports.com/tennis/news/12110/13464216/venus-williams-receives-auckland-classic-wildcard-aged-45-as-comeback-continues]. 3. **Future Aspirations** - Competing in Auckland may signal Williams' intentions to participate in the Australian Open later in January 2026 [https://www.1news.co.nz/2025/11/06/venus-williams-for-asb-classic-raising-australian-open-hopes]. - This will mark her 33rd consecutive season on the WTA Tour, a testament to her longevity and dedication to the sport [https://www.binnews.com/content/2025-11-05-venus-williams-returning-for-record-33rd-pro-season]. ### Supporting Evidence of Williams' Career and Comeback - **Career Highlights:** - Seven-time Grand Slam singles champion. - 49 singles titles, including five Wimbledon and two U.S. Open titles. - Four-time Olympic gold medalist [https://www.yardbarker.com/tennis/articles/venus_williams_45_to_start_33rd_season_at_adelaide/s1_17056_43021293]. - **Recent Performance:** - In 2024, Williams competed in only three tournaments, with a record of 1-3 in singles matches [https://www.yardbarker.com/tennis/articles/45_year_old_venus_williams_to_play_at_auckland_classic/s1_17206_43020154]. - Her last victory was against Peyton Stearns at the Washington D.C. event in July 2024 [https://www.yardbarker.com/tennis/articles/venus_williams_45_to_start_33rd_season_at_adelaide/s1_17056_43021293]. ### Conclusion: A New Chapter for Venus Williams **Venus Williams' return to the ASB Classic at 45 years old is a remarkable testament to her resilience and passion for tennis.** 1. **Historical Context**: Williams has a storied career, with significant achievements that have made her a legend in the sport. 2. **Current Status**: Despite recent challenges, her participation in Auckland signals a strong desire to compete at the highest level once again. 3. **Future Outlook**: Her comeback not only excites fans but also sets the stage for her potential participation in the Australian Open, further extending her legacy in tennis [https://www.flashscore.dk/news/tennis-auckland-wta-singles-venus-williams-confirms-return-to-auckland-classic-next-january-at-age-45/zu2jTH3L][https://www.bangkokpost.com/sports/3131554/venus-williams-to-return-to-auckland-classic-at-age-45].