MELBOURNE, Australia — Venus Williams set a file by simply beginning a first-round match on the Australian Open. This can be a testomony to her endurance and longevity on the highest degree of tennis.
Within the third set on Sunday, he was up 4-0 with two service breaks and got here near profitable.
Olga Danilovic had different concepts and rallied for her sixth straight victory, defeating the 45-year-old seven-time main champion 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-4.
Williams held serve for 14 1/2 minutes within the penultimate sport, deciding to remain within the match earlier than lastly holding his third break level.
At 45 years outdated, ranked 576th and enjoying as a wild card, Williams turned the oldest participant to play in singles on the Australian Open.
Williams entered the event on a five-game shedding streak since his first and solely win on tour again in Washington final yr. She gained the primary set and was in command of the third till Danilovic broke at John Cain Enviornment.
Williams married Italian Andrea Preti in December. She was 17 years outdated when she first competed within the Australian Open in 1998, reaching the quarter-finals of her fourth Grand Slam event.
She has by no means gained the Australian Open. She reached the finals in 2003 and 2017, shedding to her youthful sister Serena each occasions.
