Australian Open 2026: Venus Williams becomes oldest woman to play singles main draw, loses in first round

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.

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Danilovic 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.