Venus Williams was eliminated in the first round of the WTA 250 tournament in Auckland.
The 45-year-old American lost to Poland’s Magda Linette on Tuesday after three sets 4:6, 6:4, 2:6.
The seven-time Grand Slam winner always reminds us of old times, but in the end she has to admit defeat to her opponent’s greater consistency.
Linette, currently number 52 in the world, consistently takes advantage of her chances in the decisive third set and takes Williams’ serve twice.
Another preparation tournament before the Australian Open
After the match, Williams is greeted with warm applause from the audience. She is now heading to Hobart, where she wants to gain playing practice for the Australian Open at another preparatory tournament.
In Melbourne, Williams will compete in the first Grand Slam tournament of the year for the first time in five years. Thanks to a wild card, she will be the oldest player in tournament history. The duel with Linette was also her first singles match since the US Open in August last year.
Williams had already been eliminated in doubles in Auckland alongside Elina Svitolina.
Linette: “She moved really well”
After her success, despite the victory, Magda Linette was impressed by the performance of the tennis icon, to whom she had previously lost twice.
“She moved really well and hit hard, especially in the open spaces,” explains the Pole. “I had to stay calm, play stable and not allow myself to make too many mistakes.”
