Mandy Minella, who is ranked 185th, qualified for the game after beating 32nd seed Bulgarian Tsvetana Pironkova in straight sets on Wednesday.

The Bulgarian lost 6-4 6-0 to Minella, who is making her debut in a Grand Slam tournament.

Pironkova previously defeated Williams in two of their previous three meetings, including a straight-set win in the Wimbledon quarter finals in June.

Technical Director for the Luxembourg Tennis Federation Alexandrew Lisiecki told News352 : « Wednesday’s game was a super match for her. We’re now very impressed that she’s going to play against Venus on Friday.

"It’s more than a year since she’s proved that she has the skills to go further than her classification. She has won lots of matches in that time.

"We’re not really surprised that she’s made it this far. Though it is a new passage for her, and a new stage in her career.

"I don’t think that she’s afraid of playing against Venus Williams on Friday. She has a good dynamic and has nothing to be afraid of.

"I think she may be a little bit concerned that Venus will be playing in her own country. This can have an effect psychologically. But that’s all."

Minella emailed the federation from the US following her success on Wednesday. According to Mr Lisiecki she described her result in the world’s biggest tennis tournament as "magic".