At a Glance
- Venus Williams, 44, became the oldest woman to contest an Australian Open singles draw, surpassing Kimiko Date’s 2015 mark.
- She led 4-0 in the decider before Olga Danilovic reeled off six straight games to win 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-4.
- The American’s 14-minute, 28-second service game at 4-4 thrilled the Melbourne crowd.
- Why it matters: Williams’s comeback effort shows elite longevity and keeps her Grand Slam journey alive in doubles.
Venus Williams walked off Melbourne Park’s main court smiling and waving despite a heartbreaking third-set turnaround that ended her singles run. The 44-year-old, ranked No. 576 and competing on a wild card, authored the latest chapter of her storied career simply by taking the court, then pushed former junior rival Olga Danilovic to the brink in a 2-hour, 17-minute thriller.
Record Setter
By contesting the first-round match, Williams eclipsed Japan’s Kimiko Date as the oldest woman to play Australian Open singles. Date was 44 when she exited in the 2015 first round; Williams broke that benchmark 45 years after she first picked up a racquet and nearly snatched victory to punctuate the moment.
Match Flow
First Set
- Tight exchanges produced a tiebreaker
- Williams edged ahead, claiming it 7-6 (5)
- The seven-time major champion fed off crowd energy
Second Set
- Danilovic, ranked No. 68, increased forehand weight
- She broke once and maintained control to level at 6-3
Decisive Third
| Scoreline | Key Moment |
|---|---|
| 0-0 | Williams revved up, winning 16 of first 21 points |
| 4-0 | Peak advantage; vintage winners flew off her racquet |
| 4-4 | A 14:28-minute service game swung momentum |
| 6-4 | Danilovic closed when a Williams forehand clipped the net and drifted wide |
Turning Point
At 4-4 in the third, Williams produced multiple aces and saved two break points in the marathon game. Danilovic finally converted the third break chance, then rode the wave of noise to rattle off six consecutive games and seal progression.
Reaction
Venus Williams praised the atmosphere: “That lifted me up so much … it was an amazing moment.”
Olga Danilovic relished the occasion: “Playing against Venus Williams is something I can’t take for granted … it was such a pleasure playing against such a legend.”
Comeback Context
Williams’s season record fell to 1-6 since returning at Washington last year, but the American sees progress:
- “I’m playing better with each match”
- “I’m having to relearn how to do things again”
- “It’s super exciting to have played that well and to get myself in that position”
Life Beyond Singles
- Married Andrea Preti in December; the pair traveled together in Melbourne
- Planning to compete in doubles at Melbourne Park
- Will reassess her 2026 schedule after the fortnight
Historical Footnote
Williams debuted at the Australian Open in 1998 aged 17 and reached the quarterfinals. She has contested Melbourne 22 times, finishing runner-up to sister Serena in 2003 and 2017. Serena celebrated Venus’s recent wedding on social media, underscoring family support off court.
Key Takeaways
- Williams’s age-record appearance proves elite athletic longevity is possible with dedication.
- A 4-0 lead highlighted her shot-making potential; closing stages revealed match-play rust.
- Her immediate focus shifts to doubles, keeping the 44-year-old’s Australian Open journey alive.
