Venus Williams Stuns with Vintage Tennis in Heartbreaking Australian Open Loss
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{ "title": "Venus Williams Stuns with Vintage Tennis in Heartbreaking Australian Open Loss", "article": "MELBOURNE, Australia - In a thrilling display of vintage tennis, 45-year-old Venus Williams came close to a major upset in the Australian Open, pushing world No. 69 Olga Danilovic to the brink of victory. The American legend, competing in her first Australian Open singles main draw in five years, was two games away from her first Grand Slam singles win since 2021 Wimbledon. However, Danilovic staged an incredible comeback, taking six consecutive games from 4-0 down in the third set to win 6-7 (5), 6-3, 6-4. Williams, the oldest woman to feature in the Australian Open singles main draw, was overjoyed with her performance, saying, \"It's kind of weird, but it's super exciting to have played that well and to get myself in that position and come very close.\" The seven-time singles and 23-time Grand Slam champion, who has been struggling to find her footing since her comeback to the WTA tour last year, showed glimpses of her classic tennis, including a backhand return winner in her first receiving game and a forehand bullet to end a baseline tussle. Despite her age, Williams's legs held up well, and she set up a set point with a combination of a backhand that kissed the sideline and a forehand winner moving in. However, Danilovic's determination and Williams's unforced errors ultimately led to her defeat. The match was a testament to Williams's enduring spirit and her ability to challenge the current crop of players. \"It's the biggest lead I've had since I've been back,\" she said, smiling, of the 4-0 opportunity. \"In a lot of ways I'm having to relearn how to do things again, if that makes any sense.\" While she fell short of a winning debut, Williams has shown that she still has what it takes to compete at the highest level. In other action, world No. 1s Carlos Alcaraz and Aryna Sabalenka made easy work of their opponents, with Alcaraz defeating local face Adam Walton 6-3, 7-6 (2), 6-2 and Sabalenka overcoming French Rakotomanga Rajaonah 6-4, 6-1."
