Australian Open 2026: Venus Williams becomes oldest woman to play singles main draw, loses in first round
Venus Williams won the first set on her return to tennis after a 16-month break, but Olga Danilovic completed a swift turnaround.
Olga Danilovic beat Venus Williams 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-4 at the Australian Open on Sunday after the Serbian fought back from 4-0 down in the deciding set to knock the American veteran out of the tournament in the first round.
Williams, a seven-time Grand Slam champion who returned to tennis last season after a 16-month break, received a wildcard to become the oldest woman ever to compete in the singles main draw on her return to the tournament after five years.
The 45-year-old fed off the crowd early on, racing to a 2–0 lead before Danilovic recovered and broke back to level the set.
The American produced flashes of her trademark brilliance, but after missing an early set point, was pushed into a tiebreak which she won on her fourth set point with a decisive forehand winner.
More from Tennis NewsDanilovic responded emphatically, storming through the second set in just 30 minutes to force a decider.
Williams surged 4–0 ahead in the final set, but Danilovic fought back, levelling the set and edging a marathon ninth game with eight deuces. Serving for the match at 5–4, the Serbian closed it out as Williams sent a forehand wide.
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