Home / Sports / Venus Williams Loses Opener Despite Strong Play
Venus Williams Loses Opener Despite Strong Play
6 Jan
Summary
- Venus Williams lost her first singles match of 2026 to Magda Linette.
- The 45-year-old showed impressive fitness and skill in her 1,101st singles match.
- Williams heads to Australia for Hobart International and Australian Open next.
Venus Williams, aged 45, commenced her 2026 season with a singles defeat to fifth-seeded Magda Linette at the WTA Tour event in Auckland, New Zealand. The match, Williams' 1,101st in singles, saw her lose 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 despite a spirited effort.
Williams showcased remarkable fitness and mobility, serving seven aces and hitting with power. Her performance in Auckland, where she received a wild-card entry, precedes her participation in the Hobart International starting January 12th and the Australian Open in Melbourne.
This marked Williams' first singles match since August last year. Her continued competitiveness, even against a significantly younger opponent, indicates her readiness for the upcoming Grand Slam events in Australia.
