Williams’ history-making day ends in narrow defeat

Despite being defeated by Olga Danilovic in the first round on Sunday, former world no. 1 Venus Williams said it was “such a great moment” to make history at the Australian Open.

After accepting a wildcard into the main draw, the American legend, 45, became the oldest player to play in the women’s singles division during the Open Era.

She broke Japan’s Kimiko Date’s previous record of 44 when she bowed out in the first round of 2015, setting a new high for her.

Williams’ record-breaking performance, however, did not come to an end with a 4-0 lead in the decisive set.

The seven-time Grand Slam singles champion described it as “a fantastic game and such a fantastic moment.”

With each match, I improve my game and my destination, according to the coach.

Three years before the birth of her first-round opponent Danilovic, Williams made her Australian Open debut at age 17 in 1998.

Williams, who hit a forehand winner to take the first set 7-6 (7-5), described the crowd’s energy as “lifted up by the energy from the crowd.”

Serb Danilovic, who is ranked 69th in the world, responded with a second set lead of just 30 minutes, but Williams regrouped for a victory in the final set before falling behind six games in a row.

She also had some luck there, Williams continued. However, that’s just the sport, and it occasionally operates in that manner.

” I felt good at 4-0. It represents the biggest improvement I’ve seen since returning.

Before the match, I said to myself, “I really want to take this moment,” adding that opponent Danilovic was totally aware of the significance of their first-round encounter. Playing against Venus Williams is something I can’t take for granted because these things don’t happen every day.

“It was such a pleasure to play such a legend.”

When Williams resumed her WTA Tour action at the Washington Open in July 2025, she had not played for more than a year.

Peyton Stearns, a fellow American, defeated her in her opening match of that competition, but she lost six of her subsequent tour matches.

Following wildcard selection, the US Open and the Australian Open suffered first-round losses. She did well in both of her matches, but she lost in the final sets.

Former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash said he believed Williams should be considered for wildcards at upcoming Grand Slam tournaments like this summer’s Wimbledon, but only if her form and results merit them. He made the remarks during a broadcast on BBC Radio 5 Live’s daily podcast from the Australian Open.

Venus has won three matches in three years, according to Cash, not a lot of tennis.

She is a superstar, and she certainly deserves a wildcard if she plays and performs. One of the best tennis players we’ve ever seen is her.

Why do we need to give them [wildcards] to Venus, she needs to prove herself, according to some Australians?

She both enjoyed her tennis and the US summer. It would seem as though she was short on match play at 4-0 before losing the following six games, though I’m not sure if she ran out of gas. However, it only serves to demonstrate her continued tennis skills.

Given that Venus Williams is a talented tennis player, “Women would be great for her to play at once more,” she said. She must demonstrate herself, I believe.