Venus Williams carved her name into the history books once again on Sunday, becoming the oldest competitor ever in the Australian Open women's singles draw. The 45-year-old American legend, playing on a wild-card entry, showcased her enduring spirit in a gripping first-round encounter before ultimately falling to Serbia's Olga Danilovic.
A Record-Breaking Appearance
Merely by stepping onto the court at Melbourne Park's John Cain Arena, Williams secured a new milestone. At 45 years old and ranked world No. 576, she surpassed all previous records to stand as the most senior woman to compete in the singles event at the season's opening Grand Slam. This remarkable feat underscores a career defined by resilience and a relentless passion for the sport, decades after she first appeared at the Australian Open as a 17-year-old in 1998.
A Gruelling Battle on Court
The match itself was a rollercoaster that nearly delivered a fairytale victory to accompany the historic occasion. Williams, a seven-time major champion, seized the first set in a tense tiebreak, 7-6 (5). After dropping the second set 3-6, she stormed to a commanding 4-0 lead in the decider, holding two service breaks.
However, the 23-year-old Danilovic mounted a stunning comeback, reeling off six consecutive games to snatch the match 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-4. Williams's determination was epitomised in a marathon 14-and-a-half-minute service game late in the third set, where she fended off multiple match points before finally succumbing.
Context and Career Reflections
This appearance followed a challenging period for Williams, who entered the tournament on a five-match losing streak. Her only win during her latest comeback came at the Washington event last year. While she has reached the Australian Open final twice—in 2003 and 2017—the title has eluded her, with sister Serena Williams defeating her on both occasions.
Off the court, Williams recently married Italian Andrea Preti in December 2025. Her journey from a teenage quarter-finalist in 1998 to a record-setting 45-year-old in 2026 remains one of the most inspirational narratives in modern sport, a testament to unparalleled longevity at the highest level.
