Danilovic Set for Australian Open Showdown with Venus Williams After Hobart Run
MELBOURNE, 18 January 2026 – Serbian tennis player Olga Danilovic will step onto one of the sport’s grandest stages today, facing the legendary Venus Williams in the first round of the Australian Open. The 24-year-old arrives at Melbourne Park with valuable match practice under her belt, having reached the quarter-finals of the Hobart International last week.
Building Form in Hobart
Danilovic began her 2026 season with a strong showing at the Hobart International, a WTA 250 event. She secured a significant first-round victory, upsetting the 31st-ranked American McCartney Kessler in a three-set battle, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4. She backed this up with a straight-sets win over fellow American Peyton Stearns (7-6(2), 6-1) in the second round. Her run was ultimately halted in the quarter-finals by Croatia’s Antonia Ruzic, who prevailed 6-3, 6-3.
Key Facts: Danilovic vs. Williams
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Match | Australian Open – Women’s Singles, Round of 128 |
| Date & Time | 18 January 2026, 7:10 am UTC (6:10 pm AEDT) |
| Court | John Cain Arena, Melbourne |
| Surface | Outdoor Hard Court |
| Danilovic Ranking | World No. 68 (957 points) |
| Williams Ranking | World No. 576 (Wild Card entry) |
| Head-to-Head | First meeting |
| Danilovic’s Best AO Result | 4th Round (2025) |
| Williams’ Best AO Result | Finalist (2003, 2017) |
A Daunting but Historic Challenge
For Danilovic, the match represents a formidable challenge against one of the sport’s most iconic figures. Venus Williams, a seven-time Grand Slam singles champion and former world No. 1, is making her return to Melbourne Park for the first time in five years. At 45 years of age, the American legend remains a captivating draw. The winner of this encounter is projected to face world No. 3 and reigning Roland Garros champion Coco Gauff in the second round, adding another layer of intrigue to the contest.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Olga Danilovic’s career-high ranking?
Olga Danilovic’s career-high singles ranking is World No. 32. She has won two WTA singles titles in her career.
When did Venus Williams last play the Australian Open?
Venus Williams has not competed at the Australian Open since 2021. Her return in 2026 marks a significant comeback to the season’s first major.
How did Danilovic perform at last year’s Australian Open?
Danilovic enjoyed her best run at Melbourne Park in 2025, reaching the fourth round before falling to Spain’s Paula Badosa.