Venus Williams’ comeback to the tour in 2026 hasn’t started how she’d have liked.
Given a wild card entry into the ASB Classic in Auckland, the American was knocked out in her first match by Magda Linette.
Williams also took part in doubles, teaming up with Elina Svitolina. They lost to Iva Jovic and Alexandra Eala.
Tatjana Maria draws Venus Williams at Hobart International
Venus Williams will open her Hobart International campaign against fellow veteran Tatjana Maria.
The 38-year-old German enters the tournament as the sixth seed and currently holds a world ranking of 42.
Maria made headlines in 2025 by becoming the oldest WTA 500 champion, winning the Queen’s Club title at age 37.
She claimed that title with wins over Madison Keys, Elena Rybakina, Karolina Muchova, and Leylah Fernandez, before defeating Amanda Anisimova in the final.
Williams is still searching for her first win since the Washington Open in 2025 and faces another tough challenge to start her season.
Venus Williams has a big opportunity if she can get past Tatjana Maria
There were more top players at the ASB Classic than there are in Hobart, where none of the top 20 players will be taking part.
If Williams manages to get through that match, she’ll then move into a section of the draw filled with qualifiers and lucky losers.
Williams wouldn’t have to face another seeded opponent until the semi-finals, which could set up a meeting with last year’s champion McCartney Kessler.
If she can come through against Maria, this might be one of her best chances in recent years to put together a decent run in a WTA event.
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