Olga Danilovic recorded a 6-7(5) 6-3 6-4 victory over Venus Williams to qualify for the second round of the 2026 Australian Open on Sunday n
The Serbian fought back from 4-0 down in the deciding set to knock Williams out of the tournament in the first round.
Williams, a seven-times 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.
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, Danilovic closed it out as Williams sent a forehand wide.
Danilovic was delighted to win the tie but admitted that it was tough.
She said:;“Not easy. I told myself before the match, I really want to take this moment, and I cannot say I enjoy, because it’s tough to enjoy at the moment on court.
“But these things don’t happen every day, and playing against Venus Williams is something that I cannot take for granted.
“There were a lot of nerves. I just said to myself, ‘Okay, just play, just take everything out and just play point by point’.
“I’m very happy I managed to get this one, but it was such a pleasure playing such a legend.”
Williams made history as became the oldest woman to ever play the Australian Open at the age of 45.
She was making her 22nd Australian Open appearance — the most among active players in the Open Era — and her first since 2021.
She is scheduled to return later in the week to compete alongside Ekaterina Alexandrova in women’s doubles.
