After a grueling 16-month hiatus following surgery to remove uterine fibroids in July 2024, many believed Venus Williams’ legendary run had finally reached its sunset. They couldn’t be more wrong. Declared “inactive” by the WTA in April 2025 after nearly a year off the court, the seven-time Grand Slam champion made a thunderous return to the court this summer at the Mubadala Citi Open followed by a short run at the US Open, reminding the world why she’s tennis royalty. Now, chatter of her 2026 season comeback grows louder with the Auckland Open announcement.

The ASB Classic’s official Instagram has confirmed it: Venus Williams is returning to Auckland this January for her seventh appearance at the event. The seven-time Grand Slam champion has received a wildcard entry, setting the stage for another remarkable chapter in her legendary career. Interestingly, her decision to compete in Auckland strongly hints that Tennis Australia might also hand her a wildcard for the Australian Open, though an official announcement is still pending.

Williams resumed her career mid-year after battling health issues for 16 months, and despite the challenges, her return proved remarkably fruitful. This year, she competed in three tournaments, marking her return with a brilliant victory over world No. 35 Peyton Stearns at the Washington Open in July. A month later at the US Open, she pushed world No. 13 Karolina Muchova to the limit in a thrilling three-set clash, which she eventually lost.

Reflecting on her career, the elder Williams sister, in her conversation with the media, stated, “Where I am at this year is so much different where I was at last year. It’s night and day, being able to prepare for the tournament as opposed to preparing for surgery a year ago.” 

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