Danilovic stuns Venus Williams with epic comeback at Australian Open

MELBOURNE: Olga Danilovic produced a remarkable comeback to defeat seven-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams 6–7(5), 6–3, 6–4 in the first round of the Australian Open on Sunday, rallying from 4–0 down in the deciding set to eliminate the American veteran.

Williams, competing at the tournament for the first time in five years, returned on a wildcard and became the oldest woman to play in the singles main draw. The 45-year-old had resumed her career last season after a 16-month hiatus.

Feeding off strong crowd support, Williams made a fast start, racing to a 2–0 lead before Danilovic regrouped to level the opening set. Although Williams displayed flashes of her trademark power, she missed an early set point and was taken to a tiebreak, which she eventually claimed on her fourth opportunity with a decisive forehand winner.

Danilovic responded emphatically, racing through the second set in just 30 minutes to force a decider. Williams again seized the initiative, surging to a 4–0 lead in the final set, but the Serbian showed resilience, winning six of the next seven games. She levelled the match, edged a gruelling ninth game that featured eight deuces, and then served out the contest at 5–4 as Williams sent a forehand wide.

The victory marked one of the most dramatic comebacks of the opening round and sent Danilovic into the second round in Melbourne.