"So — yay. Yay for me. Let’s do this" - Venus Williams raring to go ahead of return to Australian Open after positive preparation

Venus Williams is set to return to the Australian Open, looking to roll back the years as she is set to become the oldest player to compete in the event. A lot of work has gone into this, with her unveiling that she has been training for the Grand Slam for the past three months.

It has been a while since she returned to the tournament, and was raring to go in her press conference as she checked up on everyone in the room. "Hey everyone, how are you? It’s been five years since I’ve been here — they flew by," she began with a smile. "I’m super, super grateful for the opportunity from Tennis Australia and for the chance to play in front of the fans. I’ve received so much support in the tournaments leading up, and just walking around the city. My hope is to play my best."

There were questions on whether Williams would continue competing after her return to tennis in the North American hardcourt swing last year. She has since fully committed to playing a full Australian swing. She first appeared in the ASB Classic before traversing to Tasmania for the Hobart International.

She will now be making a highly anticipated return to the Australian Open. This was not always on the cards, with her previously stating that it was 'too far.' However, she had other things on her mind. "You’ve got to throw some red herrings, right? Also, I was getting married — I had two weddings coming up. It was a busy time for me, so I was focused on that," she cleared up.

Beforehand she had been training, but the racket was firmly put aside to celebrate. "The day is a celebration. The commitment comes long beforehand. It’s kind of like getting here — this is a celebration of arriving and getting to actually play. The training happens long before. This was just an opportunity to celebrate with family and friends and to create lasting memories."

For the first time since 2021, Williams is back competing at the Australian Open, and things are looking slightly different, with the 45-year-old marvelling with the new facilities, along with getting lost.

"The site feels different — I don’t know my way around," she admitted. "I can feel the ghost of the old footprint, but I’m lost. I definitely took a lot of wrong turns. But it’s great to see the expansion and the investment in tennis."

When asked if she remembered how she got her wildcard, she replied: "Honestly, I don’t recall. Sorry." However, she did reiterate the honour of competing in the Australian Open once more. "This is the greatest place on earth to play. I’ve had amazing memories here, and I love challenges — so I’m up for the challenge."

After exiting the US Open, the 45-year-old revealed that she had been hard at work training on the court as she prepared for a return Down Under.

"I was training non-stop for those three months. There were periods when 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 into the groove. At this point, I need to be kind to myself. I’m getting a lot of things right, but there’s been a lack of match play. I’m playing well, setting myself up each point to win points, and controlling the points. That’s exactly how I want to play. I’m playing the tennis I need to play."

Back in 1998, a 17-year-old Williams reached the quarter-finals of the major event. Since then, she has competed in 21 events, losing two finals in 2003 and 2017, both to her sister Serena Williams.

Since 1998, a lot has changed at the competition, tennis itself and of course Williams. Despite this, she has admitted that she is the same person.

"I’m definitely the same person. I’ve always had my head on straight — and it’s still on pretty straight," she commented. "It was a beautiful time because there was so much I didn’t know. There’s something great about not knowing — it gives you a clean slate."

But there is always a chance to learn. "There was a lot I needed to learn, and I learned it. That’s the thing about sport: you keep stepping up to the line. There’s nothing to prove — it’s all about attitude and effort. No one can control that except you, and controlling that part is really the win."

When reacting to the news that she was going to be the oldest female player to compete in the event, she stated, "I hadn’t thought about it until it came out in the press. So — yay. Yay for me. Let’s do this."