Venus Williams crashed out of the ASB Classic in the opening round, losing to Magda Linette in three sets.
Linette won the round of 32 encounter with a score of 6-4, 4-6, 6-2. This result follows Williams’ earlier elimination from the doubles draw in Auckland.
The seven-time Grand Slam champion made a successful comeback to tennis in 2025 and is now looking to build on that momentum heading into early 2026.
Williams will get another chance to make an impact at the Australian Open, where she has been granted a wildcard entry by tournament organisers.
Venus Williams remains positive despite early ASB Classic exit
Williams seemed in good spirits after the match against Linette, even though the result did not go her way.
“Wonderful day in Auckland. I haven’t really rested for weeks. Tomorrow I take a day off. So much learned so much accomplished, a wonderful journey,” she wrote on her Instagram.
The 45-year-old departed the court to huge applause, beloved by many tennis fans for her continued comeback.
Serena Williams backed for 2026 return by former coach
Success at the ASB Classic was always going to be a tall order for Venus, who is still not showing any signs of winding down her career despite her remarkable list of achievements.
Meanwhile, her sister Serena is being tipped to make a comeback in 2026. Rick Macci, Serena’s former coach, has even lent some support to the idea.
“Everybody asking is Serena going to play in 2026. Things could change but I feel 100% the Compton Comet will play doubles with Vee (Venus) or a cameo in singles. Goat sighting on the horizon coming to a court near you,” Macci published on X.
Williams, a 23-time Grand Slam champion, would be making a stunning comeback after retiring from tennis in 2022.
Beyond her singles accolades, she and Venus also formed one of the sport’s most dominant doubles pairings, collecting 14 Grand Slam titles together.
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