Venus Williams Creates History at Australian Open
Venus Williams writes another chapter in her legendary career. The American tennis star steps onto the court at Melbourne Park, making history as the oldest woman to compete in singles at the Australian Open.
A Remarkable Comeback Story
Williams returns to competition after a challenging period. She underwent a myomectomy surgery last year to remove uterine fibroids. Despite this medical hurdle, she fought her way back to the US Open just a month later.
Her journey to Australia marks her first trip down under in five years. The 45-year-old arrives as a wildcard entrant, currently ranked 576 in the world. She faces Serbia's Olga Danilovic, an opponent more than two decades younger than her.
Driven by Challenge, Not Milestones
What keeps Williams going at this stage of her career? Not records or statistics, but the pure love of competition. "I love challenges, I'm up for the challenge," she declared in her pre-tournament media conference.
The seven-time Grand Slam champion keeps her answers short and focused, mirroring how she approaches her game. "Yay, yay for me. Let's do this," she added with characteristic determination.
Williams joins an exclusive group of only four other women who have played Grand Slam singles at age 45 or older. This includes tennis legends like Martina Navratilova.
Balancing Tennis and Personal Life
The past year brought significant personal changes for Williams. She celebrated a hectic end to the season by marrying actor and model Andrea Preti in two ceremonies spanning three months.
Despite the wedding celebrations, Williams maintained her training regimen. "I was training nonstop those three months," she revealed. "There were periods where I was super busy so I'd have to take a week off here or three days off there, but for the most part I was training and trying to get myself back in the groove."
Reflecting on Her Australian Open Journey
Williams made her Australian Open debut way back in 1998 as a 17-year-old. She reached the finals twice, in 2003 and again in 2017. Looking back at those early years, she sees them as a time of discovery.
"It was a beautiful time, because there's so much I didn't know," Williams reflected. "There's a great thing about not knowing because it lets you have a clean slate. There was so much I needed to learn, and then I learned it."
She added wisdom gained from decades of experience: "That's the thing about sport, you keep stepping up to the line, and while there is nothing to prove, it's all about attitude and effort."
Current Form and Tournament Outlook
Williams played only one other match in 2026 before the Australian Open, losing to Magda Linette in three sets at Hobart. She acknowledges the need for match practice but remains confident in her abilities.
"At this point, I need to be kind to myself," Williams said. "I'm getting so many things right, but there has been a lack of playing matches. I'm playing well. I'm setting myself up each point to win points and controlling the points. That's exactly how I'd want to play."
Even in a draw featuring world number one Aryna Sabalenka and Polish star Iga Swiatek, Williams remains a central story. Her presence commands attention, both for her historic achievement and her enduring competitive spirit.
The fashion-conscious athlete sported olive green on milk cream during practice sessions, drawing crowds to Court 5. She continues to bring her unique style to the game she has graced for nearly three decades.
Venus Williams steps onto the court once more, swinging her racket with the same passion that has defined her career. At 45, she proves that age is just a number when you have the heart of a champion.
