Venus Williams’ return to tennis in 2026 has not gone to plan so far for the multi-time Grand Slam winner.
The American received a wild card for the ASB Classic in Auckland, but she was defeated in her opening round match by Magda Linette.
Williams also entered the doubles alongside Elina Svitolina, but the pair were beaten by rising stars Iva Jovic and Alexandra Eala.
After her short stint in Auckland, Williams is now heading to the Hobart International and her first opponent has now been confirmed.
Venus Williams will play Tatjana Maria at the Hobart International
The draw for the Hobart International has been made and Williams is set for an all-veterans clash with Tatjana Maria.
Maria, who is 38 years old, is the sixth seed at the event as she arrives at the Australian tournament at the world number 42 in the WTA Tour rankings.
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Maria made history in 2025 by becoming the oldest WTA 500 winner ever when she lifted the trophy at Queen’s.
The German star defeated Madison Keys, Elena Rybakina, Karolina Muchova, and Leylah Fernandez, before shocking Amanda Anisimova in the final to lift the trophy in London.
Williams, yet again, has earned herself an exceptionally tough draw as she looks to win her first game since the 2025 Washington Open.
Venus Williams has a huge chance if she can get past Tatjana Maria
The ASB Classic was far stronger than the Hobart International field, with no players from the top 20 in the latter.
If Williams can find a way past Maria, the American will be surrounded by a field of lucky losers and qualifiers.
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Williams will not have to play another seeded player until the semi-finals, when a meeting with last year’s winner McCartney Kessler looks likely.
This could arguably be Williams’ best, and last, chance to have a real run at a WTA Tour tournament if she can find a way past the German.
