Venus Williams is out of the Hobart International after suffering a first round defeat to Tatjana Maria.
Having received a wildcard for the Hobart International, Williams lost 6-4, 6-3 to Maria, representing her fifth consecutive defeat.
Williams, who has also earned a wildcard for the Australian Open, is currently ranked 145th in the WTA Tour rankings.
The 45-year-old will enter the Grand Slam out of form, with her winless streak stretching back to Washington last summer.
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Venus Williams thanks fans after Hobart exit
Despite another defeat, the seven-time Grand Slam champion remained upbeat in a social media post afterwards.
She wrote on Instagram: “So excited I finally got to Hobart. I waited so long and always wanted to play here. Best place on earth.”
Legendary figure Williams added: “Thanks everyone for your encouraging words! Love you!”
It’s certainly an admirable approach from the American, who is clearly enjoying her time on the court regardless of the outcome.
Along with her seven Grand Slam singles titles, former world number one Williams boasts 14 doubles titles and two mixed doubles titles.
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Victoria Mboko reacts to winning award won by Serena and Venus Williams
One player at the opposite end of her career from Williams is Mboko, but the 19-year-old has already emulated the 45-year-old.
Currently playing in Adelaide ahead of the Australian Open, the Canadian earned the WTA Newcomer of the Year award for 2025.
As quoted by the WTA website, she said of the honor: “I feel like there’s a history of the people who won that award, so that was real cool.
“Having that title or that platform really comes with a lot of responsibility, so it would be nice to maintain more consistency this year.
“If you have pressure, then you’re doing something right. And you’re a player people want to play – and want to beat. So, I think it’s important for me to just stay grounded and keep my head up no matter what.”
She has followed in the footsteps of Williams, who won the award in 1997, while her sister Serena Williams won it the following year.
Also on the list of former winners are the likes of Tracy Austin, Martina Hingis and current world number one Aryna Sabalenka.
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