Venus Williams responds to Australian Open question ahead of 2026 season

Venus Williams responds to Australian Open question

In the meantime, Williams has been keeping busy with exhibition events, where she’s shared the court with some of America’s top players.

Joining Taylor Fritz, Madison Keys and Frances Tiafoe at the Charlotte Invitational, Venus was part of a group that brought together different eras of American tennis.

But before one of their matches, it was a question directed at Venus that caught most people’s attention.

Seated alongside the others, she was asked directly if fans would see her in Melbourne this year. Her answer left things open:

“Well, for now I can only confirm Auckland. We’ll see what happens after. And, of course, tonight.”

Venus Williams hasn’t played consistently since 2019

It’s a bit odd to think of Venus Williams being back in the mix more regularly, considering she hasn’t been a consistent presence on tour since 2019.

That was the last season she played more than 12 singles matches. Since then, her appearances have been sparse: four in 2025, two in 2024, and ten in 2023.

Yet whenever she does step back onto the court, the attention is immediate. Her presence alone can change the atmosphere of an event.

In Washington, for example, fans packed stadiums just to watch her doubles matches, even when other big names were playing elsewhere at the same time.