Venus Williams received a wild card for the Australian Open and is preparing to become the first 45-year-old participant in this tournament 0 9

45-year-old Venus could become the oldest participant in the Australian Open. The American may surpass Japanese player Kimiko Date, who competed in the tournament at the age of 44.

Venus Williams has won Wimbledon five times and the US Open twice. She also won 14 Grand Slam tournaments in doubles with her sister Serena. Williams was the Olympic champion in Sydney in 2000 in singles. She has also won gold three more times in doubles with Serena (2000, 2008, 2012).

The Australian Open will take place from January 18 to February 1.