Seven-time major singles champion Venus Williams said Sunday she’s still driven to play good tennis – and “it gives you great legs” – as she prepares for an Australian Open tilt at age 45. Williams will become the oldest woman to play in the main draw at the season-opening Grand Slam after accepting a wildcard, five years after she last competed in Melbourne.

The American said she was unaware of the record she was poised to break, adding she didn’t have the same intense approach to achieving milestones as in her prime. However, her drive to succeed on court remained.

“I think one of my goals is to be joyful and just embrace being uncomfortable because that’s the things champions can do,” she said. “I definitely don’t wake up and come halfway across the world — or more than halfway — to not be feeling the fire. “And, well, tennis burns a lot of calories. It gives you great legs. I figure if I want to stay fit, I’ve got to keep playing.”

A five-time Wimbledon champion, Williams was an Australian Open singles finalist in 2003 and 2017 and won the doubles title four times alongside sister Serena. Williams’ last tournament was the US Open in August, not long after returning from a 16-month break. She will play warmup events in Auckland next week and Hobart ahead of the January 18-February 1 Australian Open and hoped she can shake rust out of her system.

“It’s interesting because I have so much experience, but I’ve probably played the least amount as any other player in this draw,” Williams told reporters in Auckland. “So I have a lot to pull out but I also have to come out of the gates playing quickly. “The good news is that, you know, tennis matches are long and you have a chance to figure things out.”

Her first opponent in Auckland on Monday will be Polish fifth seed and world No.54 Magda Linette.

Novak Djokovic announced on Sunday he was leaving the professional players’ union he co-founded in 2020, citing “concerns regarding transparency and governance” within the body.

The Professional Tennis Players Association (PTPA), founded by the current world No. 4 and Canadian Vasek Pospisil, took legal action in March 2025 against tennis governing bodies, denouncing “anti-competitive restraints and abusive practices”.

The action also highlighted the “unsustainable schedule” for players, with tournaments scheduled 11 months out of 12 by both the men’s ATP¨and women’s WTA.

“After careful consideration, I have decided to step away completely from the Professional Tennis Players Association”, Djokovic posted on social media.

“This decision comes after ongoing concerns regarding transparency, governance, and the way my voice and image have been represented.

“I am proud of the vision that Vasek and I shared when founding the PTPA, giving players a stronger, independent voice – but it has become clear that my values and approach are no longer aligned with the current direction of the organization.”

The 38-year-old 24-time Grand Slam winner said he will “continue to focus on my tennis, my family, and contributing to the sport in ways that reflect my principles and integrity”.

Djokovic is aiming for a record-breaking 25th major title at the upcoming Australian Open and will next take part in the ATP event in Adelaide from January 12-17 as part of his preparations for the start of the new season.