Venus Williams Reveals Return for 33rd Tennis Season Ahead of 2026 Australian Open

One of the top legends in women's tennis is gearing up for another year on the court.

Per the Associated Press, Venus Williams intends to play in the ASB Classic in New Zealand from Jan. 5-11 before participating in the 2026 Australian Open later that month, marking her 33rd straight season on the WTA Tour.

A seven-time Grand Slam singles champion, Williams made her pro tournament debut in 1994. The WTA Tour confirmed that she's played at least two WTA events in each season since.

The Australian Open and the French Open are the only two majors that eluded Williams during her iconic career. She made the Australian Open final twice in 2003 and 2017.

Williams most recently played singles competition at the US Open in August, falling to 11th-seeded Karolina Muchova in the first round in three sets.

Still, Williams has not lost her competitive fire. At 45 years old, she's is five years older than the next-oldest-ranked players as the 2026 season approaches.