Tennis legend Venus Williams was given a wildcard admission and will play in her 22nd Australian Open in January, it was confirmed on Sunday.

Despite being a seven-time Grand Slam singles winner, Williams, 42, only participated in four competitive matches in 2022, all of which she lost.

Williams is one of the most accomplished players in the sport, having won five Wimbledon titles, two US Open titles, and another 14 Grand Slam doubles championships, including four in Australia.

She made the singles final in both 2003 and 2017, while she won the Australian Open in the doubles competition in 2001, 2003, 2009, and 2010.

Williams announced her wildcard and her intention to participate in Melbourne one more in the same press release.

She said: "I am very excited to be returning to Melbourne to compete at the Australian Open in January.

"I've been competing in the country for over 20 years now and the Australian community has always supported me wholeheartedly.

"It will be an honour to play for the fans again and I'm looking forward to making more memories at the tournament this year."

It remains to be seen if she will be joined by her sister Serena, who is a seven-time singles champion at the event and Venus' partner for her four doubles successes.

After her exit from the US Open, Serena heavily implied she was weighing up another go in Australia, saying "I always did love Australia".

A warm welcome back to the AO, @Venuseswilliams! 👋

— #AusOpen (@AustralianOpen) December 19, 2022