Did Venus Williams' Historic Return to Aus Open End in First Round Loss to Olga Danilovic?
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Synopsis
In a thrilling first-round match at the Australian Open, Venus Williams, at 45, made history but ultimately fell short against Olga Danilovic. The iconic seven-time Grand Slam champion's performance was a blend of power and struggle, showcasing her resilience on the court.
Key Takeaways
- Venus Williams made a historic return to the Australian Open at 45 years old.
- She showcased her power with nine aces during the match.
- Williams struggled to maintain momentum against Olga Danilovic.
- This match marked her first appearance at Melbourne Park since 2021.
- Despite the loss, Williams continues to inspire fans worldwide.
Melbourne, Jan 17 (NationPress) Venus Williams, a seven-time Grand Slam champion, faced a disappointing end to her historic return at the Australian Open as she was defeated in the first round by Olga Danilovic of Serbia with scores of 6-7, 6-3, 6-4 at John Cain Arena on Sunday.
At the age of 45, Williams made history as the oldest player to compete in the Australian Open during the Open Era, receiving heartfelt support from the crowd in Melbourne during her first-round match. Although she demonstrated moments of her renowned power, she struggled to maintain her performance throughout the three sets against 24-year-old Danilovic.
After a tightly contested first set, Danilovic rebounded with improved consistency from the baseline in the second set. She maintained her poise in the decisive set, breaking Williams at pivotal moments to secure the match in just over two hours.
Despite the setback, Williams showcased her skills with nine aces and a commendable 71% success rate on her first serve, but five double faults proved detrimental. Danilovic took advantage of Williams' second serve, winning 73% of those points and successfully converting five of her eight break-point chances.
Danilovic amassed 104 points compared to Williams' 92. The Serbian progresses to the second round, while this landmark appearance marks Williams' exit from the tournament, adding another chapter to her illustrious career.
Post-match, Danilovic expressed her awareness of the significance of playing against an athlete of Williams' caliber. She stated, “It wasn’t easy. As we walked out, I reminded myself to cherish this moment. I can’t say I fully enjoy it, as it’s tough on court, but these opportunities are rare. Competing against Venus Williams is something I can never overlook, and I felt a lot of nerves,” she remarked during the on-court interview.
This was Williams' first appearance at Melbourne Park since 2021 and her first competition outside the United States since 2023.
Despite winning seven Grand Slam singles titles, none have been secured in Melbourne, although she reached the finals twice, in 2003 and 2017, where her sister, Serena Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam champion, triumphed on both occasions.
Point of View
It’s essential to recognize the significance of Venus Williams' participation in the Australian Open, not only for her personal journey but also for tennis as a sport. This event highlights the enduring spirit of athletes and the emotional connection they share with fans. While the loss is disappointing, Williams' presence alone adds invaluable depth to the tournament narrative.
NationPress
18/01/2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What age is Venus Williams?
Venus Williams is currently 45 years old.
Who did Venus Williams lose to in the Australian Open 2023?
Venus Williams lost to Olga Danilovic in the first round.
How many Grand Slam titles has Venus Williams won?
Venus Williams has won seven Grand Slam singles titles.
When was Venus Williams' last appearance at the Australian Open?
Venus Williams last appeared at the Australian Open in 2021.
What is the significance of Venus' age in this tournament?
At 45, Venus Williams is the oldest player to compete in the Australian Open during the Open Era.
