The title is still missing: Venus Williams (42) starts at Australian Open

Will a wild card help her to her first Australian Open triumph? The first Grand Slam tournament of the year in Melbourne is still a blank spot on Venus Williams’ map, even in the late autumn of her career

A quarter of a century after her first appearance, the 42-year-old is now making what may be her final attempt to finally win the women’s singles at the high-profile tournament.

The Californian previously reached the Australian Open final in 2003 and 2017, both times losing to her younger sister Serena, who now prefers to focus on her new lifestyle brand.

In doubles, both formed a bastion and have won the Australian Open four times. Venus also managed a win in the mixed competition alongside compatriot Justin Gimelstob. In the ATP world rankings, Venus Williams has slipped to 1007th place. Little or nothing is known about her current form…but she has always been one of the crowd favourites in Melbourne.