Danilovic rallies past Venus Williams at Australian Open

Danilovic rallies past Venus Williams at Australian Open

Danilovic makes an epic comeback to knock out Venus Williams at the 2026 Australian Open in a dramatic third-round match. Danilovic overturns a deficit and saves match points before winning in three sets at Melbourne Park. Danilovic’s victory ends Williams’s run and marks a major moment in her tournament.

Danilovic makes epic comeback after losing first set

Danilovic lost the opening set 3-6 to 23-time Grand Slam champion Venus Williams. Williams displayed strong serving and aggressive groundstrokes early. Danilovic struggled to find rhythm but stayed composed, adjusting tactics as the match progressed. The turning point came late in the second set as Danilovic fought to extend rallies and force errors from Williams.

Danilovic makes comeback by winning second set

Danilovic won the second set 7-5 after saving multiple break points. The momentum shifted as Danilovic’s consistency and depth of shot began to trouble Williams. Long rallies and calculated aggression earned key points, allowing Danilovic to close the set. Williams’s unforced errors rose as pressure mounted.

Danilovic makes comeback in decisive third set

In the deciding set, Danilovic surged to a 5-1 lead. Williams resisted but Danilovic held serve and converted break opportunities. Danilovic saved match points on her own serve before sealing the win 6-3, 5-7, 6-4. The victory sent Danilovic into the fourth round and ended Williams’s campaign at the tournament.

Match dynamics and statistics

Danilovic’s comeback featured improved first-serve accuracy and tactical variation. She mixed deep baseline shots with well-timed net approaches to disrupt Williams’s rhythm. Williams continued to hit powerful forehands and maintained aggressive positioning, but key errors at critical moments proved costly.

Reactions and significance

The win marked a significant result for Danilovic, who overcame experience and early pressure to advance. For Williams, the loss closed another chapter in her Grand Slam career at the Australian Open. Both players showed resilience, with Danilovic responding best under pressure.

Danilovic makes an epic comeback to knock out Venus Williams at the 2026 Australian Open, reversing an early deficit and saving match points to win in three sets. The result underscores Danilovic’s determination and tactical execution on a big stage.

Source: https://www.reuters.com/sports/tennis/danilovic-makes-epic-comeback-knock-out-venus-williams-australian-open-2026-01-18/