Daijiworld Media Network - Melbourne

Melbourne, Jan 19: Tennis great Venus Williams created history at the Australian Open on Sunday by becoming the oldest player to compete in the singles draw at the Grand Slam, though her remarkable run ended with a hard-fought first-round loss.

Playing on a wild-card entry at the age of 45 and ranked No. 576, the seven-time Grand Slam champion went down to Serbia’s Olga Danilovic 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-4 after leading 4-0 in the deciding set. Danilovic staged a strong comeback, winning six consecutive games to seal the match at John Cain Arena.

Williams came agonisingly close to underlining her record-breaking appearance with a victory. She fought on grimly, serving for more than 14 minutes in the penultimate game as she tried to stay in contention before finally conceding a third break point.

The former world No. 1 had entered the tournament on a five-match losing streak since her lone win during her recent comeback at Washington last year. She showed flashes of her trademark grit by taking the opening set and dominating early in the third before momentum swung in her opponent’s favour.

Williams first played the Australian Open as a 17-year-old in 1998, reaching the quarterfinals in just her fourth Grand Slam appearance. Though she has never lifted the Melbourne trophy, she finished runner-up twice, in 2003 and 2017, losing both finals to her sister Serena.

Venus, who married Italian actor Andrea Preti in December, continues to defy age and expectations, with her latest appearance standing as a testament to her longevity and enduring presence in elite tennis.