Venus Williams made history the moment she stepped onto the Australian Open court on Sunday. She nearly broke the record, but ultimately lost to Olga Danilovich in the first round of the event.
With Sunday’s match, Williams became the oldest female player to compete in the Australian Open singles main draw. Shortly after, she became the oldest woman to win a set in the singles main draw at the Australian Open.
advertisement
But Williams couldn’t sustain that momentum. Williams won the first set 7-6 (5) but dropped the second set 6-3.
Just when it looked like Williams’ losing streak was over, she fought back to take a 4-0 lead in the final set. But Williams was unable to end the situation. She lost momentum in the final set and ultimately lost to Danilovic 6-4 in the third set.
Despite the disappointing result, Williams told The Associated Press that she was satisfied with her performance.
“It was a great journey on the court today,” Williams said as he left the stadium smiling and waving.
“I’m really proud of my effort today because I’m playing better game after game and getting to where I want to get to,” Williams said. “Now I just need to keep moving forward, keep improving myself and trying to control my mistakes.”
Danilovic did not take Williams’ age for granted. After the win, Danilovic said he was “happy” to be on court against the legend.
advertisement
With this win, Danilovic will face the winner of Coco Gauff and Kamila Rakimova.
Carlos Alcaraz wins at Arina Sabalenka’s cruise
In the first round of the 2026 Australian Open, the top-seeded players of both men and women wasted no time and quickly took on their opponents. On Sunday, Carlos Alcaraz defeated Adam Walton 6-3, 7-6, 6-2 to advance.
Sabalenka didn’t run into any major troubles either, winning 6-4, 6-1 over Tiantsoa Sara Rakotomanga Rajona.
There were few major upsets on the first day of the tournament. Most notable was Flavio Cobolli, the 20th seed on the men’s side. Koboli played the entire tournament despite being sick, which may have been the reason for his 7-6 (1), 6-4, 6-1 loss to Arthur Ferry.
advertisement
Francis Tiafoe defeats the American team in the first round
The first few matches of the 2026 Australian Open did not go well for the American. Of the four Americans on court, Francis Tiafoe was the only one to score an early victory. Tiafoe defeated Jason Kubler 7-6, 6-3, 6-2 to advance.
In addition to Williams’ loss, the Americans lost Jenson Brooksby to No. 10 Alexander Bublik in straight sets and Zachary Sweida lost to Yannick Hanfman in four sets.
Despite the disappointing result, top-ranked American fighters, including Gauff, Tommy Paul, Amanda Anisimova and Jessica Pegula, will compete in first-round matches later Sunday night.
