Tennis legend Venus Williams will not take part in this year's Australian Open, leaving the remaining women's singles wildcard spot open for an Australian player.
The 41-year-old has not played since August due to a leg injury, and confirmed on Friday her non-participation in the first Grand Slam of 2022.
She joins her sister Serena Williams, who will also miss the tournament due to a hamstring injury.
This year's Australian Open will be the first time since 1997 that the tournament will not play host to either of the famous Williams sisters.
Venus Williams fell outside of the top 100 in the women's rankings in May for the first time in nine years.
Currently ranked at No. 318, she was still favoured to fill the final wildcard spot.
News Corp revealed on Friday that Williams did not travel to Melbourne, confirming that she would not participate in any warm-up tournaments, nor the Australian Open.
Venus won her first Grand Slam title in 2000, and has played in 13 of the past 14 Australian Opens.
The recipient of the last remaining wildcard in the women's singles draw is yet to be announced.
The current Australians to be awarded a slot include Sam Stosur, Daria Saville (nee Gavrilova), Maddison Inglis, and Storm Sanders.
Melbourne Park will host Australian Open this year, to be played between January 17-30.
