Venus Williams has now lost her last five matches on the WTA Tour after her early exit in Hobart.
Williams lost her Hobart International opener, having suffered the same fate at the ASB Classic in Auckland.
The defeats on the WTA Tour in 2026 follow losses in Washington, Cincinnati and at the US Open in 2025.
But Williams has very little time to ponder the run, having earned a wildcard to play at the Australian Open.
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Venus Williams needs to end her losing streak
At 45, more success for the legendary figure was always going to be difficult to achieve, with her history on the court undoubtedly allowing her the freedom to compete at major events.
She certainly deserves her Australian Open wildcard, having won a huge seven Grand Slam singles titles in her prime.
Further wildcards are likely to arrive at the likes of Indian Wells and the Miami Open on home soil, but they may dry up if the losses continue.
And that could signal the beginning of the end for the veteran, who may need to step aside in order to allow an up-and-coming player their time on the stage.
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Tennis fans love watching ‘superstar’ Venus Williams
Despite her worrying run of form on the court, Williams is still drawing huge crowds, which is great for tournament organisers.
And her appearances have been welcomed by many fans watching on, with one writing on X: “Legends like her will always fill stadiums.”
A second fan agreed, saying: “Venus brings magic to every match! No wonder crowds pack the stands for her. Tennis royalty!”
Others commented: “She is my favorite athlete of every athlete who has ever existed” and “What a superstar.”
| Year | Tournament | Surface | Opponent | Score |
| 2000 | Wimbledon | Grass | Lindsay Davenport | 6–3, 7–6(7–3) |
| 2000 | US Open | Hard | Lindsay Davenport | 6–4, 7–5 |
| 2001 | Wimbledon | Grass | Justine Henin | 6–1, 3–6, 6–0 |
| 2001 | US Open | Hard | Serena Williams | 6–2, 6–4 |
| 2005 | Wimbledon | Grass | Lindsay Davenport | 4–6, 7–6(7–4), 9–7 |
| 2007 | Wimbledon | Grass | Marion Bartoli | 6–4, 6–1 |
| 2008 | Wimbledon | Grass | Serena Williams | 7–5, 6–4 |
Further praise arrived for the veteran from other fans, who noted: “Just so good to see Venus Williams still battling it out on court,” and “She’s amazing.”
And the love didn’t end there, with another writing: “The enthusiasm of the crowd everywhere Venus Williams plays just shows you why all tournaments want to give her wildcards. It’s packed today. It was packed last week for singles and doubles.”
Of course, not every tennis fan feels the same way about Williams, but it’s clear she still has a huge following.
While she has tasted Australian Open doubles success, the American has never won the singles title, twice losing in the final to her sister Serena Williams.
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