Melbourne (Parliament Politics Magazine) January 18, 2026 – Venus Williams, at 45, became the oldest woman to play an Australian Open singles match but suffered defeat to Serbia’s Olga Danilovic in a gripping three-set encounter. Williams captured the first set via tiebreak and led 4-0 in the decider before Danilovic claimed the final six games for a 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-4 victory. The seven-time Grand Slam champion earned a standing ovation while preparing for doubles play.
Record Age Milestone Marks Emotional Court Return
Venus Williams made tennis history on Sunday at Melbourne Park by becoming the oldest woman ever to compete in an Australian Open singles match, accepting a wildcard entry at age 45. As reported by Jamie Braidwood of The Independent, Williams launched her campaign impressively, firing a stunning forehand winner that thrilled spectators and secured the opening set 7-6(5) on tiebreak.
Her opponent, 24-year-old Olga Danilovic, equalised by taking the second set 6-3. Williams then dominated early in the third, building a commanding 4-0 advantage that positioned her for a first Grand Slam singles triumph since Wimbledon 2021. Danilovic, however, engineered a stunning reversal, reeling off the last six games to prevail 6-4 and advance to the second round.
Williams, competing at the Australian Open for the first time since 2021, first appeared in the main draw in 1998 at age 17. Spectators rose in a standing ovation as she departed John Cain Arena, with doubles alongside Ekaterina Alexandrova awaiting.
Tennis observers highlighted the match’s intensity. José Morgado said in an X post,
“Incredible! Olga Danilovic comes back from 0-4 down in the 3rd set to beat 45yo legendary Venus Williams 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-4 and reach the 2nd round at the #AusOpen. Incredible fightback in the decider. What a performance from Venus Williams but this is a very painful loss.”
Incredible!
Olga Danilovic comes back from 0-4 down in the 3rd set to beat 45yo legendary Venus Williams 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-4 and reach the 2nd round at the #AusOpen.
Incredible fightback in the decider.
What a performance from Venus Williams but this is a very painful loss. pic.twitter.com/qXOAYHWYOE
— José Morgado (@josemorgado) January 18, 2026
Williams Praises Atmosphere After Competitive Battle
Following the match, Williams reflected on the electric crowd energy and Danilovic’s strong play.
“It was such a great game, such a great moment,”
Williams said.
“The energy from the crowd was amazing. That lifted me up so much. She played a great game. Also some luck there, as well. That’s just the sport. That’s how it works sometimes. But it was an amazing moment.”
The American acknowledged unaware of her age record upon receiving the wildcard. Williams resumed professional tennis last summer, contesting singles and doubles at the US Open, where she and Leylah Fernandez advanced to the quarter-finals in September. She wed Andrea Preti in December after three months of non-stop training to ready for Australia.
Williams holds two Australian Open singles finals appearances, both losses to sister Serena in 2003 and 2017, plus four doubles crowns. Her performance demonstrated competitive edge despite the outcome.
Renowned tennis journalist Ben Rothenberg captured the emotional weight. Ben Rothenberg said in an X post,
“Heartbreaker for Venus Williams, who played at an unreal level and commandingly led 4-0 in the third but falls 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-4 to Danilovic. Heck of a show, but that one will sting for someone as competitive as her. But again, she justified the wild card…and the next ones.”
Heartbreaker for Venus Williams, who played at an unreal level and commandingly led 4-0 in the third but falls 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-4 to Danilovic.
Heck of a show, but that one will sting for someone as competitive as her.
But again, she justified the wild card…and the next ones.
— Ben Rothenberg (@BenRothenberg) January 18, 2026
Danilovic Savours Upset Over Seven-Time Major Champion
In her on-court interview, Danilovic expressed honour at facing Williams.
“These things don’t happen every day and playing against Venus Williams is something that I cannot take for granted,”
Danilovic said.
“On 4-0, I said to myself, ‘Just play, just take everything out and just play point by point’. I’m very happy I managed to get this one but it was such a pleasure playing against such a legend.”
Born after Williams’ 1998 debut, Danilovic thwarted a potential second-round matchup with Coco Gauff. Jamie Braidwood of The Independent noted the generational clash, with Williams’ veteran savvy tested by emerging talent on Melbourne’s hard courts.
Williams Signals Continued Professional Journey
Williams affirmed her ongoing dedication, hinting at expanded scheduling.
“In a lot of ways I’m having to relearn how to do things again, if that makes any sense,”
Williams said.
“I’m really proud of my effort today because I’m playing better with each match, getting to the places that I want to get to. Right now I’m just going to have to keep going forward and working on myself and working to control my errors.”
She elaborated,
“Those are things, too, that come with playing extra matches, like getting your feet in the exact right position, choosing the right shots, all of those things that I’m still learning. It’s kind of weird, but it’s super exciting to have played that well and to get myself in that position and come very close. I’ll think about what’s next for me. I have the doubles here, so my focus is that right now.”
The wildcard decision proved its merit through Williams’ high-level execution, even in defeat.
Australian Open Tournament Overview and Schedule
The 2026 Australian Open commenced on 12 January at Melbourne Park, marking the first Grand Slam of the season on outdoor Plexicushion hard courts. Main draw singles action began Sunday 12 January, with first-round matches continuing through Wednesday 15 January. Qualifying rounds preceded from 10-11 January.
As of 18 January, first-round play dominated the schedule across Rod Laver Arena, John Cain Arena, and outer courts. Notable results included upsets and straight-set wins among top seeds. The tournament features 128-player singles draws for men and women, with 32 seeds each.
Second-round matches start 19 January, quarter-finals scheduled 20-21 January, semi-finals 23-24 January, and finals on 25 January (women’s) and 26 January (men’s). Doubles events run parallel, with Williams’ entry alongside Alexandrova set for early rounds.
Prize money totals AUD$100 million, distributed across singles, doubles, and wheelchair categories. Defending champions Novak Djokovic (men) and Aryna Sabalenka (women) progress steadily. Attendance exceeds 800,000 across fortnight, with night sessions featuring top matchups.
Williams’ milestone match occurred amid day four’s packed slate, including American clashes and seed advancements. Her doubles commitment ensures continued presence through early week.
The event coincides with Australia Day weekend, drawing global viewership exceeding one billion. Organisers implemented heat policies amid summer conditions, with temperatures reaching 30°C during Williams-Danilovic.
Tournament Progress Features Day Four Highlights
Day four delivered Williams-Danilovic alongside other first-round thrillers. Top seeds navigated openers, while underdogs claimed scalps. Night session on Rod Laver Arena showcased prime time action.
Heat policy activated midday, with roof closures managing 30°C temperatures. Crowds filled 40,000-capacity venue, sustaining electric atmosphere.
Doubles Draw Awaits Williams’ Next Challenge
Williams pairs with Ekaterina Alexandrova in women’s doubles, scheduled early week. First-round matchup pits duo against qualifiers or lower seeds. Success could extend stay through quarter-finals.
Doubles format features 64-team draw, with finals preceding singles counterparts. Williams’ experience positions partnership favourably.
Global Viewership Tracks Grand Slam Opening Week
Australian Open broadcasts reach one billion viewers across 200 territories. ESPN, Eurosport, and Nine Network carry feeds. Streaming platforms report record logins during Williams match.
Social media engagement surges, with hashtag #AusOpen trending worldwide. Williams’ return amplifies digital conversation.
