Venus Williams has suffered an early exit at the ASB Classic after losing her opening match to Magda Linette.
Linette beat Williams 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 in the ASB Classic round of 32, which follows her exit from the doubles event in Auckland.
Williams made a successful return to tennis in the 2025 season, with the seven-time Grand Slam champion now seeking further glory in early 2026.
She will have another opportunity to make her mark at the Australian Open, for which the WTA legend has received a wildcard.
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Venus Williams enjoys ‘wonderful day’ despite ASB Classic loss
For now, however, Williams will take a well-earned rest, with the American star enjoying her match against Linette despite the loss.
She posted on Instagram: “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.”
Williams left the court to huge applause, with many tennis fans simply adoring the continued comeback of the legendary figure.
Serena Williams predicted to return to tennis in 2026 by her former coach
At 45, ASB Classic success was always going to be difficult for Williams, who is clearly not finished in her career despite a stunning honors list.
Remarkably, her sister Serena Williams could make a shock return in 2026, with her former coach Rick Macci now backing up that idea.
He wrote on X: “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.”
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It would be a stunning comeback from Williams, who retired from tennis in 2022 as a 23-time Grand Slam champion.
Along with that singles success, she partnered with her sister to claim a mammoth 14 Grand Slam doubles titles.
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