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Venus Williams Breaks Age Record at Australian Open, Falls in Spirited First-Round Match
Melbourne, Australia – Tennis legend Venus Williams, defying her No. 576 ranking and competing on a wild-card entry, made history on Sunday at the Australian Open, becoming the oldest woman to compete in the singles main draw. At 45 years old, Williams surpassed Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was 44 when she played in 2015. Despite her record-breaking appearance, Williams ultimately fell to Olga Danilovic in a hard-fought first-round match, 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-4.
Williams’ 22nd trip to Melbourne Park saw her display flashes of her vintage form. After splitting the first two sets, she surged to a 4-0 lead in the decisive third set, hitting powerful winners and dropping only five points.
However, world No. 68 Danilovic rallied, winning six consecutive games to secure the victory.
The pivotal moment came in an extended, nearly 15-minute penultimate game on Williams’ serve, where she saved two break points with aces and powerful shots before ultimately succumbing.
“It was an amazing journey on the court today,” Williams stated after the match, departing the stadium with a smile and a wave. “I’m really proud of my effort today because I’m playing better with each match, getting to the places that I want to get to.”
Danilovic expressed her admiration for her opponent. “I told myself before the match I really want to take this moment – playing against Venus Williams is something I can’t take for granted,” she said. “It was such a pleasure playing against such a legend.”
Williams, who made her Australian Open debut in 1998, reaching the quarterfinals, has twice been a finalist in Melbourne, losing to her sister Serena in 2003 and 2017. Despite the loss, Williams remains focused on her return to the sport. “In a lot of ways I’m having to relearn how to do things again,” she explained, acknowledging her ongoing journey since her comeback.
Her immediate focus will now shift to the doubles competition at Melbourne Park, before she plans her schedule for the remainder of 2026. “Right now I’m very much in the tournament,” Williams affirmed.
“My next focus is the doubles. So that’s where my head is.”