Venus Williams will soon return to tennis action again, starting her 2026 season at the ASB Classic in Auckland. In addition to singles, the American legend is also playing doubles at the event, partnering with Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina.
Williams, 45, was last in action at the US Open last year, playing both singles and doubles. Although she exited in the first round in singles, she reached the quarterfinals with Taylor Townsend. Since then, she has been on the sidelines, and keeping herself busy on the personal side of her life. The seven-time Grand Slam champion got married to her fiance Andrea Preti in that time, and is only now slowly turning her attention back to tennis.
Unlike her, her sister Serena Williams is completely out of tennis. The 23-time Grand Slam champion retired in 2022, and now has two daughters with husband Alexis Ohanian. Although there are rumors that she might be looking for a comeback soon, things are far from confirmed at the moment.
Speaking to media before her appearance in Auckland, Venus Williams spoke about playing alongside Svitolina, adding a friendly message for her sister Serena as well.
“[Elina Svitolina and I] have always been opponents but finally we’re on the same team. And I hope Serena won’t be jealous,” she said.
Elina Svitolina also spoke about playing alongside the American, saying:
“It’s great to share a court with her, and play with such a legend, it’s such a privilege for me. I will try to do my best tomorrow, to give my very best for the win.”
Williams also joked about her pairing not having a name yet, saying that they will think about it only after they have won their first match together.
“We can get one win under us, and then we’ll have earned a couples doubles name,” she said.
In their first match at the ASB Classic, Venus Williams and Elina Svitolina will take on the pair of Alexandra Eala and Iva Jovic — two of the most talked-about rising stars in WTA at the moment.
Who is Venus Williams’ first opponent in singles at the ASB Classic 2026?
Meanwhile, in singles, Venus Williams will start her singles run at the 2026 ASB Classic against a formidable opponent. That comes in the form of Magda Linette, World No. 54 now and the fifth seed in Auckland this year.
A win there would pit Williams against the winner of the clash between Alycia Parks and Elisabetta Cocciaretto in the second round. She is likely to face fourth seed Alexandra Eala in the quarterfinals, while second seed Emma Navarro is the potential semifinal opponent in the draw.
Elina Svitolina, also playing singles in Auckland, is the top seed, and is the favorite to reach the final from the top half of the draw.
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