Veteran great Venus Williams says she has nothing to prove in her Australian Open return, almost three decades on from her first appearance in the season-opening major.
Williams, a seven-time grand slam winner, has not played at Melbourne Park since her tearful second-round exit in 2021.
Granted a wildcard, the 45-year-old will become the oldest player ever to compete in the women's singles draw when she faces Serbia's Olga Danilovic in the first round at John Cain Arena on Sunday.
A possible all-American clash with third seed Coco Gauff looms in the second round.
"This is the greatest place on earth to play," Williams said.
"I have had amazing memories here. I love challenges, so I'm up for the challenge."
Williams made her first appearance at Melbourne Park as a 17-year-old in 1998, reaching the quarter-finals in her fourth major tournament following a remarkable run to the US Open final the previous year.
"I'm definitely the same person. I had my head on straight. It's still on pretty straight," Williams said.
"It was a beautiful time because there's so much I didn't know, but there's a great thing of not knowing because it lets you have a clean slate.
"There was so much I needed to learn, and then I learnt it."
Williams reached the Australian Open final in 2003 and 2017, losing to sister Serena on both occasions.
The older of the siblings made a comeback last July and suffered a first-round exit at the US Open.
Now ranked No.576 in the world, the five-time Wimbledon champ also lost first-round encounters with Madga Linette in Auckland and Tatjana Maria in Hobart this month.
"The thing about sport is you keep stepping up to the line and, while there is nothing to prove, it's all about attitude and effort," Williams said.
"No one can control that. Controlling that part is really the win."
