WILLIAMS EXIST AUSTRALIAN OPENS AFTER INCREDIBLE MATCH AGAINST DANILOVIC
Venus Williams, 45, made history on Sunday by being the oldest woman to compete in the Australian Open. However, she lost at the first hurdle following a thrilling match against a player who was more than 20 years her junior. Five years after her last major appearance, the American seven-time Grand Slam champion received a wildcard for Melbourne.
Concerns that it denied a younger player the chance led to some criticism, which was exacerbated by Williams's defeat in the opening round of both of her warm-up competitions. "Not easy," Danilovic admitted. "I told myself before the match, I really want to take this moment, and I cannot say enjoy, because it's tough to enjoy at the moment on court. There was a lot of anxiety, but these things don't happen every day, and I can't take playing against Venus Williams for granted. "Okay, just play, just take everything out and just play point by point," I told myself.
"I'm very happy I managed to get this one, but it was such a pleasure playing such a legend."
The 69th-ranked Danilovic's first service game was broken by the former world No. 1 Williams, now ranked 576, after receiving a standing ovation. However, the Serb swiftly retaliated, levelling the set with a fortunate net cord.
As the set progressed to a tiebreak, Williams delivered strong serves and had little trouble navigating the court. Despite falling behind 2-0, she overcame the deficit with a masterful forehand winner. Williams was unable to respond to Danilovic's early break in the second set, forcing a deciding in which the American easily won 4-0.
However, she became distracted, allowing Danilovic to fight back to 4-4 before a pivotal ninth game that lasted 14 and a half minutes. The Serb took the game on her second break point before serving out for the victory after Williams had six game points but was unable to convert. Williams has only made a few appearances in recent years since making his debut at Melbourne Park in 1998.