Despite losing to Olga Danilovic in their Australian Open match on Sunday, Venus Williams, 45, wrote her name in the history books, as she became the oldest tennis player to compete in the event’s women’s singles draw.
Williams’ first Australian Open in 1998 was notable for a second-round match where she beat her younger sister, Serena Williams, in one of their first professional matchups. Williams’ run ended in the quarterfinals with a loss to fellow American and eventual champion, Lindsay Davenport.
Following her defeat to Danilovic, Williams said that she was “lifted” by the energy from the crowd, per PEOPLE.
“It was such a great game, such a great moment. The energy from the crowd was amazing. That lifted me up so much,” Williams said about her match against Danilovic. “She played a great game. Also some luck there, as well. That’s just the sport. That’s how it works sometimes. But it was an amazing moment.”
READ ALSO: Venus Williams, 45, reveals she returned to tennis because of health insurance
Williams also said that she “felt good” after she initially took a 4-0 lead over Danilovic, adding that it was “the biggest lead I’ve had since I’ve been back.”
“In a lot of ways I’m having to relearn how to do things again, if that makes any sense,” Williams said. “I’m really proud of my effort today because I’m playing better with each match, getting to the places that I want to get to.”
The tennis veteran added: “It’s kind of weird, but it’s super exciting to have played that well and to get myself in that position and come very close.”
Last year in New York, Williams returned to the US Open, where she was the third-oldest woman to compete in the tournament during the Open era. Her participation ended in the first round, however, when she was defeated by Czech Karolina Muchova with a score of 6-3, 2-6, 6-1.
In late December 2025, Williams married Andrea Preti in Palm Beach, Florida.
READ ALSO: Venus Williams confirms engagement to Andrea Preti after he helps her make history
