Venus Williams has opened up about her less than stellar results in the lead up to the Australian Open 2026. After testing the waters with her brief comeback during last year’s North American swing, the seven-time Major champion arrived Down Under with the intention to continue her comeback.
Williams received a wildcard to compete in last week’s ASB Classic in Auckland and the ongoing Hobart International. She lost to Magda Linette in three sets a week ago, and went down to Tatjana Maria 6-4, 6-3 in Hobart on Tuesday, January 13. Following her latest loss, she spoke to the press about her recent performances.
Despite heading to the season’s first Major with two losses and zero wins under her belt, Williams remains upbeat about her future. She was appreciative of the crowd in Hobart, and blamed the windy conditions for her loss to Maria. She added that her prolonged absence from the tour also played a part.
“The crowd was amazing. Usually I play a really big game and it’s fun to watch. I felt I couldn’t play that with the wind. I felt bad I wasn’t able to give that performance I usually give. I was in control until I wasn’t … I just need to keep going and doing that and earn my stripes. I’ve been away a while,” Williams said.
Williams is also excited about her return to the Australian Open. This will be her first appearance in Melbourne since her second-round exit in 2021. She stated she would analyze her recent losses and make the necessary improvements.
“So exciting. I can’t wait (to return). I’ll take what I need to learn from this and keep going,” Williams added.
While Williams has never reigned supreme Down Under, she came quite close to doing so on two occasions. However, both of her attempts were foiled by her sister, Serena Williams.
Venus Williams lost both of her Australian Open finals to Serena Williams
Venus Williams progressed to her maiden Australian Open final in 2003. It marked her fourth consecutive Major final. She was beaten by her younger sister Serena Williams in the preceding three finals, and the duo set up a showdown in Melbourne as well.
History repeated itself as the elder sibling fell to the younger one yet again. The latter completed a Career Grand Slam with the win, dubbed as the “Serena Slam”. More than a decade later, the two met in the final of the Australian Open 2017.
Venus Williams got the short end of the stick once again, losing to her sister in straight sets. With some solid results at the season’s first Major, she will be keen to make a winning return when the tournament starts next week. Her first-round opponent will be known on Thursday, January 15, when the draw is revealed.
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