AUCKLAND, New Zealand — Legendary tennis player Venus Williams is set to embark on her 33rd consecutive season on the WTA Tour, kicking off her journey in Auckland this January.
ASB Classic organizers announced on Wednesday that the 45-year-old icon will participate in their event from January 5-11.
This marks an exciting lead-up to the Australian Open later that month, a tournament where Williams has twice finished as a runner-up.
Since making her professional debut in 1994 in Oakland, California, Williams has consistently participated in at least two WTA events each season, according to the tour.
Her most recent singles appearance was at the U.S. Open in August, where she faced 11th-seeded Karolina Muchova, unfortunately falling in a closely contested three-set match.
Currently ranked No. 570, Williams is notably five years older than her closest competitors, Naoko Eto and Bethanie Mattek-Sands.
