Photo: Getty Images AsiaPac
Venus Williams made Australian Open history on Sunday (January 18) despite a first-round exit, per PEOPLE.
Williams, 45, returned to Melbourne Park for the first time in five years after receiving a wildcard entry. When she stepped onto the court on Sunday, Australian Open officials confirmed Williams had set a new age record for the women’s singles draw.
The seven-time Grand Slam champion opened her match strongly, jumping out to a 4–0 lead against Serbia’s Olga Danilovic, 24. Danilovic rallied to win six straight games, however, handing Williams a first-round loss. Williams exited the court smiling and was met with a warm ovation from the crowd.
“It was such a great game, such a great moment,” Williams said after the match. “The energy from the crowd was amazing. That lifted me up so much.”
Williams said the early lead “felt good” and called it “the biggest lead I’ve had since I’ve been back.” She also acknowledged Danilovic’s play, saying, “She played a great game. Also some luck there, as well. That’s just the sport.”
Reflecting on her return to competition, Williams said she is still adjusting after limited match play in recent years.
“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.”
Williams first competed at the Australian Open in 1998 at age 17. Though her 2026 run was brief, she said the experience was encouraging.
“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,” she said.
Danilovic, who advanced to the second round, expressed admiration for her opponent.
“These things don’t happen every day,” she said. “Playing against Venus Williams is something I cannot take for granted. It was such a pleasure playing against such a legend.”
The Black Information Network is your source for Black News! Get the latest news 24/7 on The Black Information Network. Listen now on the iHeartRadio app or click HERE to tune in live.