Just days ago, at 45, Venus Williams became the oldest woman to contest singles at the Australian Open in the Open Era after accepting a wildcard. While her first-round singles exit was met with pride, hopes shifted to doubles redemption. That revival never arrived, as the icon endured another narrow, hard-fought defeat, bringing her Melbourne campaign to a poignant close.

Venus Williams and Ekaterina Alexandrova exited the women’s doubles in the first round of the 2026 AO on Tuesday. They were beaten by France’s Elsa Jacquemot and Colombia’s Emiliana Arango in straight sets.

The opening set was closely contested and featured long rallies and momentum shifts. Jacquemot and Arango held firm and edged it in a tiebreak, winning 7-6 (3).

In the second set, Jacquemot and Arango gained early control and stayed composed. Despite strong resistance, they closed out a 6-4 win to reach the next round.

Venus entered the Australian Open carrying history with her. She surpassed Japan’s Kimiko Date, who was 44 when she exited in the first round in 2015, to set a new age benchmark.

However, her record-breaking appearance did not end in victory. Williams surrendered a 4-0 lead in the deciding set and was beaten by Olga Danilovic.

The age contrast was striking. Williams was 17 when she made her Australian Open debut in 1998, three years before Danilovic was born.

Williams had returned to the WTA Tour in July 2025 at the Washington Open after more than a year away. She defeated fellow American Peyton Stearns in her opening match.

Since then, results have been scarce. She has lost her next six matches at the tour level.

That stretch includes first-round defeats at the US Open and the Australian Open after receiving wildcards, as well as a doubles loss. Williams competed strongly in both tournaments but fell in deciding sets. 

She now heads home, with work ahead before the season’s second Grand Slam.

Pat Cash shares his thoughts on Venus’ potential Wimbledon wildcard

During Venus Williams’s singles match, the crowd was energetic and loud after the first set. The atmosphere lifted the stadium and pushed the match into a higher intensity.

However, Serbia’s Olga Danilovic, ranked 69th in the world, responded strongly. She dominated the second set and won it in just 30 minutes, shifting momentum completely.

Williams then appeared close to a breakthrough. She went a double break ahead in the deciding set and looked on course for her first Grand Slam singles win since Wimbledon 2021.

Top Stories

Commentator’s Disturbing Novak Djokovic Remark During Australian Open Clash Turns Heads

WTA Star Who Once Sold Skin Turns Heads After Winning Biggest Title of Her Career

Iga Swiatek Goes Rogue After Skirt Hinders Tough Clash at Australian Open

Coco Gauff Shares Honest Take on Players Changing Nationality at Australian Open: “There’s Obvious Reasons”

Stan Wawrinka Holds Back Tears in an Emotional Message After 1st Australian Open Win in 5 Years

That chance slipped away quickly. Williams lost the next six games in a row, allowing Danilovic to close out the match.

Despite the loss, the moment was emotional. Williams received a standing ovation as she walked off the John Cain Arena. She later said she felt “lifted up by the energy from the crowd” at the start of the match.

Reflecting on the outcome, Williams accepted the reality of competition. “That’s just the sport, and that’s how it works sometimes,” she added.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 Live’s daily podcast from the Australian Open, former Wimbledon champion Pat Cash shared his view. He said Williams should be considered for future wildcards, including Wimbledon, but only if results justify it. “Venus hasn’t played a lot of tennis, she’s won something like three matches in three years,” said Cash. He added that many believe wildcards should favor youth and stressed Wimbledon should not offer one simply because of her name, saying, “I think she’s got to prove herself.”

With her Australian Open campaign now over, the focus shifts ahead. Do you think Venus Williams will push for another Grand Slam entry at Wimbledon? Share your thoughts below.