Wellington, New Zealand – Venus Williams, tennis legend, suffered a defeat in her first singles match of 2026 against Magda Linette, at the WTA Tour tournament in Auckland. At 45 years old, Williams delivered a standout performance before falling 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 to Linette, who is ranked number 52 and was just a girl when Williams made her professional debut. This match marked Williams’ 1,101st singles match on the WTA circuit. Despite the defeat, the competitiveness shown against a rival 12 years younger will give her confidence for her participation in the Hobart International and the Australian Open. The seven-time Grand Slam champion received invitations to the Auckland tournament and also to the Hobart tournament, which will be held from January 12, and to the first Grand Slam tournament of the year at Melbourne Park.
The match in Auckland was Williams’ first since her 6-3, 2-6, 5-1 defeat to Karolina Muchova in the first round of the US Open last August. In 2025, she only participated in three tournaments, highlighting her victory in July over Peyton Stearns, which made her the second oldest woman, after Martina Navratilova, to win a match on the WTA circuit.
Williams demonstrated being in good shape, moving with ease, achieving seven aces and hitting hard on both sides of the court. Look at the level she showed. She moved very well. She was hitting very well, especially when running towards the open space. Linette added: “It was really impressive and I had to stay calm. It pushes you to a place where you don’t want to be and I was there for a while, so I’m glad I was able to refresh and come back with a slightly better game.” Williams, currently ranked number 582, has been a constant presence in Auckland in the final stage of her career. In 2015, she defeated Caroline Wozniacki in the final, achieving the 41st title of her 46 WTA Tour titles. This year, according to statements to the press, she feels no pressure.Williams continued saying: “So I hope I can look back with 20/20 vision while I’m in the present, like just letting it go, letting it flow, enjoying it and being in the moment. That’s not easy to do and that’s why people love sports, right?” Williams started strong, achieving her first ace in the initial service game. Linette broke her serve in the fifth game and went up 5-2, before Williams recovered the break. Linette took the first set in 51 minutes. In the second set, Williams achieved breaks in the sixth and tenth games, hitting hard to the corners and executing precise winners. She was also effective at the net. Linette got a decisive break in the fifth game of the third set. On Monday, Williams partnered with Elina Svitolina, the top seed in Auckland, in doubles, losing 7-6 (7), 6-1 to Iva Jovic and Alexandra Eala. Svitolina played her first singles match later that Tuesday.The biggest pressure is the one we put on ourselves, right? And then, when you look back, you say: ‘it wasn’t that important’.
Venus Williams
