Venus Williams’ journey at the 2026 Auckland Classic has come to an end.
The 45-year-old, who made her comeback to the Tour last year, was defeated by fifth seed Magda Linette, 6-4, 4-6, 6-2.
Williams will no longer participate in the Auckland Classic following her mixed doubles loss to Alexandra Eala and Iva Jovic on Monday morning.
However, Williams can take great pride in her performances – yet again the American proved that she is worthy of competing at the top-level on the WTA Tour.
After losing to Linette, the seven-time Grand Slam singles champion offered her immediate reaction.
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As reported by the ASB Classic, Williams said: “I think my opponent [Linette], she played amazing. Definitely deserved the win.
“She hung in there and I definitely felt like I had opportunities, which is great news for me, and I was able to put myself in a great position every game, almost to be able to convert.”
Williams added that her initial focus at such an early stage of the season was developing her rhythm and match fitness, particularly with the Australian Open looming.
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“One of the biggest disadvantages for me is that everybody’s played more matches than I have,” she continued.
“So when the season starts like it does in tennis, and the first thing is a Grand Slam, then you got to come out hot, and I think I did come out hot.
“It’s like, my game is rocket fuel, so I have to figure out how not to do too much and then not to do too little. It’s not always easy, but I’m happy with a lot of the things that I did today.”
Williams has played five singles matches and eight doubles matches since making her return at the 2025 Washington Open.
For comparison, Linette has played 13 singles matches and six doubles matches across the same period.
Williams will now turn her attention to the first major tournament of the year: the Australian Open.
Last Friday, the American was awarded the eighth and final wildcard spot for the Australian Open Women’s Singles tournament.
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The 45-year-old will be hoping for a kind draw in Australia. As she is not a seeded player, she could face any player in the main draw in the first round.
As proven again on Tuesday, Williams has the capability to win sets against some of the best players on the WTA Tour.
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Of course, if Venus draws Aryna Sabalenka in the first round, her chances of making a significant run in Australia will be significantly hampered.
However, if Williams receives a favourable draw, who knows what the 45-year-old could achieve?
