Venus Williams will resume her tennis career at the start of 2026 after receiving a wildcard to play in the ASB Classic in New Zealand.
Williams, who made her WTA debut in 1994, will be making her seventh appearance at the tournament, which begins on January 5th. The former world No.1 returned to the Tour this summer following an 18-month break due to injury. Since her latest comeback, the American has played three tournaments, with her sole win being over Magdalena Frech at the Citi Open in Washington. She also took a set off Karolina Muchova at the US Open, who was seeded 11th in the draw. In the doubles, Williams reached the quarter-finals at the US Open.
“What Venus has achieved in her career is extraordinary. She is one of the great players in the modern era and her performances on the court speak for themselves,” ASB Classic tournament director, Nicolas Lamperin, said in a press release.
“Off the court she has made an equally significant contribution to the game and to the development of female players worldwide. Venus has had a profound influence on the evolution of women’s tennis and has inspired the next generation with her unshakable passion for the sport.
“Venus is back in remarkable shape and form. It will be an absolute privilege to welcome her back to our courts at the Manuka Doctor Arena, where Venus has said makes her feel welcome.
“All sports fans should take this opportunity to watch one of the sport’s all-time greats in action.”
The wildcard suggests Williams is targeting a return at the Australian Open in what would be her 22nd main draw appearance. She never won the tournament but was runner-up twice in 2003 and 2017. Williams is a seven-time Grand Slam champion with five of those wins occurring at Wimbledon and two at the US Open.
“I think I’ll always play tennis. It’s in my DNA. So it doesn’t matter if it’s now or 30 years from now,” Williams told reporters at the US Open.
“Tennis will always be one of the most important parts of my life.”
According to her profile on the ITF website, the 2026 ASB Classic will be the 17th tournament in a row that Williams has played after receiving a wildcard.
