Facing Greatness Again

Ajla Tomljanović faced a legend once again. In 2022, it was Serena Williams at the US Open in the final match of Serena’s career. Yesterday, it was Venus – along with the swirling wind and crowd firmly behind the icon. The only thing fully on Tomljanović’s side was her belief.  

“It was tough out there,” she said. “It wasn’t my best tennis, and honestly, I don’t think I was the better player in the first set. But I’m really glad I found a way to win it.” 

Battling difficult conditions, she steadied herself when it mattered most, then elevated in the second set to close it out 6-1. 

Facing a legend brings more than tactical challenges. “They’re champions on and off the court,” she said of Venus and Serena. “They play with intent, and their intent is right, the way they carry themselves is right,” she said. “I felt that even when I played Serena.” Trailblazers in every sense, they reshaped the sport – from dominance on court to cultural influence beyond it.  

With that perspective comes clarity about her own journey. When asked how long she hopes to continue competing, she answered candidly. “I’m not going to play until 45,” she said with a smile. “I’d probably be in a wheelchair if I did. I’m definitely closer to finishing at 35 than 45.” 

Playing a legend also means embracing the atmosphere that comes with it. The crowd, more often than not, will lean heavily to one side. “That’s normal,” she said. “When you’re playing a legend, you can’t fight the crowd. You can’t get mad about it. That’s part of the sport.”

In a moment of humility, she even addressed the rumors of a Serena comeback and the weight of records and history. “I would rather Serena come back and play than just keep that record in my history book,” she admitted.

Next up is second seed Iva Jovic, a rising player she clearly respects. “I’m really impressed with her,” she said. “She’s playing very well and brings a lot of energy. I’ll have to play at a high level.”

Another must-see showdown awaits.