Australian Open 2026: Venus Williams bows out in first round after three set battle with Olga Danilovic

Venus Williams’ long-awaited return to Melbourne Park ended in a dramatic first-round defeat on Sunday, 18 January, as the 45-year-old legend fell 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-4 to Serbia’s Olga Danilovic at the 2026 Australian Open.

The crowd inside John Cain Arena rose to its feet as the most decorated Olympic tennis player of all time stepped onto court for her first Australian Open match in five years.

Playing on a wildcard and competing as the oldest player in the singles draw, Williams immediately showed why she had earned the invitation.

The crowd favourite claimed the opening point, leaned on a serve that continues to trouble even the game’s next generation, and took control of the early exchanges. The first set tightened, the tension climbed, and Williams edged it 7-6(5).

Danilovic, ranked 69th in the world and more than two decades younger, refused to fade. She settled into her rhythm in the second set, returning to level the match 6-3.

What followed was the match’s most defining battle. Williams surged ahead 4-0, looking poised to close out a win, but Danilovic dug deep and began a remarkable comeback.

The turning point came in a 15-minute service game at 4-4, where Williams had seven game points but could not convert. Danilovic broke serve, then held her nerve to serve out the match at 5-4, completing a stunning turnaround to take the final set 6-4.

“There was a lot of nerves,” the 24-year-old said in her on-court interview after the match. “Playing against Venus Williams is something you cannot take for granted. These moments don’t happen every day.”

Williams left the court with the same smile she wore on arrival and will remain in the draw in doubles alongside Ekaterina Alexandrova, her Melbourne story not yet finished.

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