Venus Williams, 45, Becomes Oldest Australian Open Singles Competitor, Loses in First Round
At 45, Venus Williams became the oldest player in the Australian Open draw but lost a three-set first match to Olga Danilovic despite leading 4-0.
Overview
Venus Williams, 45, became the oldest woman to play in an Australian Open singles main draw when she took the court at Melbourne Park on Sunday.
Ranked No. 576 and granted a wildcard, Williams won the first-set tiebreak but lost 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-4 to Olga Danilovic after leading 4-0 in the final set.
At 4-4 in the deciding set Williams served a 14-minute, 28-second game, saving two break points before Danilovic secured the decisive break and ultimately the victory.
Williams praised her effort and said she is relearning parts of her game; she plans to focus next on doubles, while Danilovic called playing Venus a special opportunity.
This was Williams’ 22nd trip to Melbourne Park; she will continue in doubles at the tournament and said she will reassess her 2026 schedule afterward.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the story as celebratory and human-interest rather than competitive analysis. Editorial choices—headline privileging a "record" despite a first-round exit, positive descriptors ("smiling," "applause"), and inclusion of wedding details—emphasize legacy and resilience. Direct quotes expressing gratitude and Danilovic's reverence are source content supporting that frame.
Sources (4)
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(919x717:921x719)/Venus-Williams-Australian-Open-011826-2-36c3525a94434f9e83de58dbe4890391.jpg)
FAQ
Olga Danilovic is currently ranked around No. 70 in the WTA singles rankings. Her career highlights include two WTA singles titles (Moscow 2018 and Guangzhou 2024), a career-high ranking of No. 32, and reaching the fourth round at the 2025 Australian Open.
Olga Danilovic is 24 years old, stands at 1.82m tall, and plays left-handed. She turned professional in 2016 and her favorite surface is hard courts.
Venus Williams, aged 45 and ranked No. 576, won the first set via tiebreak (7-6(5)) but lost the match 6-7(5), 3-6, 4-6 after leading 4-0 in the third set.
Venus Williams plans to continue in the doubles event at the tournament and will reassess her schedule for 2026 afterward, while focusing on relearning parts of her game.
Olga Danilovic's best singles result at the Australian Open is the fourth round in 2025. This was her second appearance, and she is also competing in women's doubles.
History
This story does not have any previous versions.