Summary
Venus Williams lost her opening singles match of 2026 at a tennis tournament in Auckland, New Zealand, to Magda Linette. Despite losing, Williams displayed strong skills, which boosts her confidence as she prepares for upcoming tournaments in Australia.
Key Facts
- Venus Williams lost to Magda Linette with scores of 6-4, 4-6, 6-2.
- Williams is 45 years old, and this was her 1,101st singles match on the WTA Tour.
- She received a wild-card entry to this tournament and will compete in the Hobart International and the Australian Open next.
- This was Williams' first singles match since the U.S. Open in August of the previous year.
- She played only three tournaments in 2025 and became the second-oldest woman to win a match on the WTA Tour in that year.
- Williams showed strong movement and served seven aces during the match.
- Magda Linette praised Williams' performance, noting her ability to play aggressively.
- Williams, ranked No. 582, has a history of competing in Auckland, winning the final there in 2015.
