Venus Williams begins 33rd season at Auckland Classic, eyes Australian Open at 45

Venus Williams will begin her 33rd season at the Auckland Classic, potentially playing in the Australian Open at age 45. The seven-time Grand Slam champion's participation in the New Zealand tournament, from January 5-11, fuels speculation about a return to the Australian Open, where she last played in 2021. Williams, currently ranked 570, is an icon and could receive a wildcard for the Australian Open, which follows the Auckland Classic.