The seven-time Grand Slam singles champion hasn't played in the tournament since 2021 but has been given a wild-card entry to the competition, which starts in Melbourne Park on 18 January.

She said: “I’m excited to be back in Australia and looking forward to competing during the Australian summer.

"I’ve had so many incredible memories there, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to return to a place that has meant so much to my career.”

Venus had announced in November she would play in Auckland, New Zealand - where she also received a wild card - two weeks before the Australian Open, and she has also enterted to play a tournament in Hobat, Australia, a week before the open begins.

At 45, Venus - who made her debut at Mekbourne Park 28 years ago - is the oldest woman to compete in an Australian Open main draw, taking the record previously held by Japan’s Kimiko Date, who lost in the first round at Melbourne Park in 2015 at the age of 44.

Venus' first appearance at the Australian Open saw her beat younger sister Serena Williams in the second round before exiting in the quarter finals following defeat at the hands of Lindsay Davenport.

Her record at the tournament is 54 wins and 21 losses, and this year will mark her 22nd appearance in the main draw.