Venus Williams made history at the Australian Open by becoming the oldest woman to compete in the singles main draw. The 45-year-old athlete surpassed the previous record held by Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was 44 during her first-round exit in 2015. Williams’s remarkable journey at this year’s tournament included a brief lead in her first-round match against Olga Danilovic.
First-Round Match Highlights
During the match, held on January 18, 2026, Williams started strong. She dominated 4-0 in the third set but ultimately lost to Danilovic with scores of 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-4. Despite the loss, Williams expressed pride in her performance and the support she received from the crowd.
Match Details
- Match Duration: 2 hours, 17 minutes
- Crucial Late Game: Williams served for 14 minutes and 28 seconds in a pivotal game at 4-4.
- Final Break Point: Williams faced two break points before Danilovic’s decisive comeback.
Williams, entered at No. 576 and competing as a wild card, has now participated in the Australian Open 22 times. She reflected on her journey, feeling proud and excited about her improvement with each match.
Impact and Future Plans
Having married Andrea Preti in December, Williams intends to focus on her upcoming doubles matches. “Right now I’m very much in the tournament,” she stated. Williams acknowledged her need to learn and adapt, aiming to control her errors as she continues her tennis journey.
Despite the defeat, the veteran athlete remains optimistic about her future in the sport. She is looking ahead not only to the doubles but also to her plans for the rest of the year.
Conclusion
Venus Williams’s record-setting participation at the Australian Open and her inspiring performance against Danilovic serve as a reminder of her enduring legacy in tennis. As she prepares for her upcoming matches, fans and fellow athletes alike will be eager to support her in this new chapter of her career.
