Reilly Opelka Amazed By Venus Williams’ Australian Open Level Despite First-Round Exit

US tennis star Reilly Opelka has lauded compatriot Venus Williams’ playing level at the Australian Open, even though the latter exited in the opening round of the Grand Slam, after having received a wildcard

in the tournament and becoming the oldest women’s singles player at the event.

Williams, a two-time former runner-up in Melbourne, took on 24-year-old Serbian Olga Danilovic in the first round of the Australian Open women’s singles. The former put herself in pole position for the victory by clinching the first set 7-6.

A highlight of Williams’ wildcard appearance in Melbourne was the 45-year-old matching Danilovic shot for shot in a high-intensity rally, with both players unleashing powerful strokes.

The rally concluded with Williams landing a fierce forehand that Danilovic could not touch. Opelka later shared the moment on Instagram, lauding his legendary compatriot.

“Serious level, and just the start @venuswilliams,” Opelka wrote on his Instagram story.

Williams became the oldest woman to compete in the Australian Open in history. She displayed flashes of the skill that once made her world No. 1 but fell after an epic battle against an opponent more than 20 years her junior.

“It was such a great game, such a great moment. The energy from the crowd was amazing. That lifted me so much. She played a great game. Also, some luck there, as well,” Williams said after the match.

“That is just the sport. That is how it works sometimes. I am really proud of my effort today because I am playing better with each match, getting to the places that I want to get to,” Williams added.

After getting a standing ovation, the former world number one, now ranked 578, made a promising start, breaking the 69th-ranked Danilovic’s first service game.

But the Serb struck back with a lucky net cord, helping her level the set.