BREAKING RECORDS

Tennis Icon Sets New Record Before Losing

Venus Williams became the oldest woman to play at the Australian Open.

Venus Williams, 45, made history on Sunday at the Australian Open in Melbourne, becoming the oldest woman ever to compete in the tournament’s main draw. The seven-time Grand Slam singles champion and four-time Olympic gold medalist received a wild-card entry into the tournament, marking her return after five years. Though Williams initially took the lead against 24-year-old Olga Danilovic, she was ultimately defeated, resulting in a first-round exit for the tennis legend. “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,” Williams said after the game. The 45-year-old had previously finished as runner-up twice in the tournament, both times losing in the final to her sister, Serena Williams, 44. The older Williams sister returned to professional tennis in 2025 after a 16-month hiatus, competing on wild-card entries at the DC Open, Cincinnati Open, and US Open. “In a lot of ways I’m having to relearn how to do things again, if that makes any sense,” Williams said about Sunday’s historic performance.