MELBOURNE, Australia — Venus Williams became the oldest Australian Open singles finalist of the Open era on Thursday, coming back to beat her powerful 25-year-old compatriot CoCo Vandeweghe in a three-set semifinal full of winners, errors and intensity.
But Williams, the enduring 36-year-old star, was the more consistent, even-tempered and opportunistic American. In her 3-6 (3), 6-2, 6-3 victory, she converted five of nine break points against the big-serving Vandeweghe while Vandeweghe was able to convert just one of 13.
“Oh my gosh, it means so much, mostly because she played so well,” Williams said after the match.