Melbourne, Australia – Venus Williams, 45, made history at the 2026 Australian Open as the oldest woman to compete in the tournament, but her return to Melbourne Park ended in a first-round defeat against Olga Danilovic of Serbia. The match, a grueling contest lasting over two hours, concluded 6-7 (5/7), 6-3, 6-4 in favor of the 24-year-old Danilovic. This marked Williams’ first appearance at the Australian Open in five years and sparked debate regarding wildcard allocations.
The veteran American received a wildcard entry into the tournament, a decision that drew some criticism due to concerns about opportunities for younger players. Williams had experienced first-round losses in both of her warm-up tournaments leading into the Australian Open, adding to the discussion. Despite the outcome, her presence captivated fans and highlighted her enduring impact on the sport.
Venus Williams’ Historic Australian Open Run
Williams demonstrated flashes of her renowned skill throughout the match, securing an early break in the first set and displaying strong serving prowess. However, Danilovic proved resilient, quickly leveling the set and ultimately taking control in the later stages. The first set went to a tiebreak, which Williams narrowly won with a decisive forehand winner.
Danilovic responded strongly in the second set, gaining an early break and capitalizing on Williams’ struggles to force a deciding set. The third set began with Williams racing to a 4-0 lead, appearing poised for a comeback. However, a shift in momentum allowed Danilovic to claw her way back into the match.
A Grueling Decider
The ninth game of the third set proved pivotal, lasting over 14 minutes and featuring six game points for Williams. Despite her opportunities, she was unable to convert, and Danilovic secured the break on her second attempt. She then confidently served out the match, securing a hard-fought victory.
Danilovic expressed her respect for Williams after the match, acknowledging the significance of competing against a tennis legend. She noted the nerves she felt and her focus on playing point by point. The Serbian player emphasized that the opportunity to face Williams was something she would not take for granted.
Williams, a seven-time Grand Slam champion and former world number one, has had a sporadic playing schedule in recent years. She reached the Australian Open singles final in 2003 and 2017 and won four doubles titles at the tournament alongside her sister, Serena Williams. Her first appearance at Melbourne Park dates back to 1998.
Prior to Williams’ appearance, Kimiko Date of Japan held the record for the oldest woman to play singles at the Australian Open, at age 44 in 2015. This year’s tournament saw Williams surpass that record, demonstrating her remarkable longevity in professional tennis. The Australian Open continues to be a showcase for both established stars and rising talents.
The result concludes Williams’ 2026 Australian Open campaign. Her future tournament schedule remains uncertain, and it is unclear when she will next compete on the professional circuit. Observers will be watching to see if she continues to pursue opportunities to compete at Grand Slam events, potentially seeking further wildcard entries, or if this marks a step towards retirement from professional tennis. The impact of this appearance on future wildcard decisions at major tournaments will also be a point of discussion.
