Venus Williams opened her 2026 season with a hard-fought loss, but delivered a clear message that she remains competitive at the highest level of women’s tennis. The American fell in three sets to fifth-seeded Magda Linette at the WTA Tour event in Auckland, New Zealand, in a match that highlighted the seven-time Grand Slam champion’s enduring quality at age 45. Williams lost 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 to Linette, the world No. 52, a player who was just two years old when Williams played her first professional singles match.

The contest marked the 1,101st singles match of Venus’ WTA Tour career, a remarkable milestone that underscores her longevity and consistency. Despite the defeat, her level against an opponent twelve years younger provided encouragement as she prepares for the Australian swing. The former world No. 1 received wild-card entries into the Auckland tournament, the Hobart International beginning January 12, and the Australian Open, the season’s first Grand Slam.

The match in New Zealand was Williams’ first since her first-round loss at last year’s US Open against Karolina Muchova. In 2025, she played only three tournaments, but made history by becoming the second-oldest woman—behind only Martina Navratilova—to win a WTA Tour match. In Auckland, Williams looked physically strong, moved freely around the court, and maintained her trademark power.

She struck seven aces and hit aggressively from both wings, showing that her game can still trouble players in their competitive prime. Her performance drew praise from Linette after the match. “Look at the level she brought. She moved really great,” Linette said in a courtside television interview. “She was hitting the ball really well, especially when she was running into the open space.” Beyond the final scoreline, Venus Williams’ return in 2026 sent a clear signal: her presence on the WTA Tour remains meaningful, and her experience continues to command respect every time she steps on court.