The Mutua Madrid Open will once again enjoy the presence of one of the biggest stars on the women’s tour, Venus Williams. The seven-time Grand Slam champion and four-time Olympic gold medalist has been granted a wildcard to play in the 2021 edition of the tournament alongside the best players in the world from 27 April to 9 May. The American last participated in the tournament in 2018.

“I am thrilled to be returning to Madrid to kick off my clay court season. Madrid is an incredible host city and the fans always bring so much positive energy,” said Williams.

It will be the sixth appearance of the elder of the Williams sisters on the Madrid clay since the women’s competition started in the Caja Mágica. Her best performance came in 2010 when she reached the final in both the singles and doubles competitions.

That season she took the trophy along with Serena, beating the Argentine Gisela Dulko and Italian player Flavia Pennetta 6-2, 7-5 in the final. However, in the singles she was unable to repeat the feat a day later, losing to Aravane Rezai with the same scoreline, 2-6, 5-7.

Venus’ presence means eight players who know what it is to be number one in the world will be in attendance. As well as her, the Caja Mágica will welcome current queen of the WTA Rankings Ashleigh Barty, as well as Naomi Osaka, Simona Halep, Karolina Pliskova, Garbiñe Muguruza, Victoria Azarenka and Angelique Kerber.

“It’s always a privilege to be able to see such talented players who have so much history on the tour. Venus is a legend of women’s tennis and we will be able to enjoy her presence, and that of seven other women who have been world number one, at this year’s tournament. This news guarantees a spectacular tournament once again this season”, offered Feliciano López, director of the Mutua Madrid Open

The American, who was world No. 1 for a total of eleven weeks, has a match record of 6-5 at this WTA 1000. This season she has had the chance to play in three tournaments; Melbourne, the Australian Open and Miami.

Venus Williams’ invitation comes after those granted to Spaniards Paula Badosa, a recent semi-finalist in Charleston, and Sara Sorribes, who won her first title in March in Guadalajara (Mexico). Two wildcards remain which will be announced in the coming days.