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.” Trying to regain momentum, Williams is participating in every tournament she can.

Admiring her comeback at the age of 45 prior to the 2025 US Open, ex-Grand Slam champion Andy Roddick on his ‘Served’ podcast urged fans of the sport to soak in the sight of Venus Williams on the court while they still can. Williams’ return to the sport at this age is history in the making. Parallelly, Roddick also compared himself at the age of 42 to Williams. He said, “Can we talk about Venus Williams at 45 years old? I’m 42, and I grunted six times when I got out of bed this morning.”

How does the ASB Classic feel about Venus Williams’ surprise participation in the upcoming tournament?

ASB Classic on Venus Williams’ participation

ASB Classic tournament director Nicolas Lamperin hailed Williams’ career as a remarkable testament to her extraordinary talent and resilience. “She is one of the great players in the modern era and her performances on the court speak for themselves. Off the court she has made an equally significant contribution to the game and to the development of female players world-wide. Venus has had a profound influence on the evolution of women’s tennis and has inspired the next generation with her unshakeable passion for the sport,” said Lamperin.

He added that it would be an honor to welcome her back to the venue’s courts, “All sports fans should take this opportunity to watch one of the sport’s all-time greats in action.” The former world No. 1 made her Auckland debut in 2014 as a runner-up, quickly turning the tournament into a favorite stop, competing in five of the next six editions before making her comeback in 2023.

Well, the 2026 ASB Classic will take place in Auckland from January 5 to 17, bringing together world-class players at the Manuka Doctor Arena. What’s your take on her addition to the tournament? Share your thoughts in the comments below!