Venus Williams made Australian Open history Sunday, becoming the oldest player to compete in singles at age 45. The seven-time major champion entered on a wild card and ranked 576th, facing Serbia's Olga Danilovic in the first round.

Despite winning the first set and leading 4-0 in the third, Williams faltered. Danilovic rallied to win six straight games, defeating the veteran 6-7(5), 6-3, 6-4. Williams served for a grueling 14.5 minutes in the penultimate game before finally succumbing to a third break point.

This match underscores Williams' remarkable longevity in a demanding sport. She first played Melbourne in 1998 at 17, reaching the quarterfinals. While she's never won the Australian Open, she reached the finals in 2003 and 2017, both losing to her sister Serena.