'I was in a final?' Williams forgot she'd played Sydney International final

Speaking during the draw announcement for the Sydney International, Venus Williams seemed to have forgotten the last time she played the event.

Venus Williams of the United States celebrates victory in her singles semi final match against Caroline Garcia of France. Source: Getty

Venus Williams will warm up for the Australian Open at the Sydney International, playing singles at the event for the first time in 19 years. 

But it seems she's forgotten about the last time she played the tournament.

It's been almost 20 years since the seven-time Grand Slam champion became runner-up to Arantxa Sánchez-Vicario in the 1998 women’s singles final.

During a press conference held at Bondi Surf Life Saving Club, Williams needed a bit of a reminder that it ever happened.

The World Number 5 was speaking at the event where the draw was announced.

"Did you say I was in a final here?" she asked the Sydney International tournament director Lawrence Robertson after he introduced her. 

He gave her a quick reminder. 

"Oh... I forgot about that. Back in the day. Twenty years ago apparently I came close to winning," she said. 

Despite needing a bit of a memory jog, Williams said she was "absolutely delighted" to be returning to Sydney.

"The competition is going to be out of this world," she said.

The 37-year-old was only 18 the last time she played singles at the Sydney International.