Won Australian Open for the seventh time

Williams began the competitive season by participating in the WTA Auckland Open, marking her debut at this event. However, her journey in Auckland was cut short when she faced Madison Brengle in the second round and was eliminated from the tournament. Despite this setback, Williams rebounded remarkably at the Australian Open, where she achieved a historic milestone by winning the title for the seventh time, setting a new Open Era record. In the final, she faced her sister Venus, showcasing a remarkable display of skill and determination. This victory not only secured her 23rd Open Era Grand Slam singles title but also allowed her to surpass Steffi Graf's previous record of 22 titles. Furthermore, this final was notable as it marked the first instance in the Open Era where two players aged 35 or older competed against each other for a Grand Slam title. The triumph at the Australian Open reinstated Williams to the No. 1 ranking, solidifying her status as one of the greatest players in tennis history.