UNFINISHED COMEBACK FOR VENUS
Venus Williams’ return to the Australian Open didn’t go the way she or her fans hoped, but it was anything but forgettable. The 45-year-old legend, playing on a wild-card entry in Melbourne for the first time in five years, bowed out in a stirring first-round battle against Serbia’s Olga Danilovic.
Williams, a seven-time Grand Slam champion, showed she still has her trademark fire early on. She took the first set in a tight tiebreak and even surged to a 4-0 lead in the deciding third set, looking like she might snatch a fairytale win at John Cain Arena.
But Danilovic had other ideas. The 24-year-old mounted an epic comeback, winning six straight games to clinch a 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-4 victory.
Williams served for nearly 14½ minutes in one pivotal game before eventually succumbing to a break and then a match point. Despite the loss, the crowd showed its respect, giving the American a standing ovation that celebrated her long career and gutsy performance.
Williams’ trip down under was historic just for her presence. At 45, she became the oldest woman ever to compete in the Australian Open singles draw, a testament to her longevity at the top level of the sport. While she hasn’t won a singles match at Melbourne Park yet, her deepest runs have been finals appearances in 2003 and 2017; her impact is undeniable.
After a 16-month layoff and a tough run of form leading into the tournament, Venus showed flashes of brilliance and reminded everyone why she’s such a beloved figure in tennis. She’s indicated she’ll continue competing, including in doubles, and walking off the court with her head held high.
Image credit: The Lethbridge Herald