At the John Cain Arena in Melbourne, seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams’ remarkable comeback to the Australian Open ended in a first-round loss to Olga Danilovic of Serbia, 6-7, 6-3, 6-4. The Melbourne crowd enthusiastically cheered Williams on during her first-round match, making her the oldest player to compete in the Australian Open in the Open Era at 45. Against the 24-year-old Danilovic, the American displayed moments of her signature strength but was unable to maintain momentum over the course of three sets. Danilovic retaliated more consistently from the baseline in the second set after Williams won a close first set.
In the decider, the Serbian kept her cool and broke Williams at pivotal points to win the match in just over two hours. Williams impressed despite the defeat with nine aces and a 71% first-serve point success rate, but five double faults proved costly. Danilovic won 73% of those points and converted five of eight break-point possibilities by taking advantage of her opponent’s second serve. Williams finished with 92 points, while Danilovic finished with 104. Williams leaves the competition following a historic appearance that opened a new chapter in her legendary career, while the Serbian advances to the second round.
