Venus Williams exits ASB Classic in first round after loss to Magda Linette

Venus Williams in action in her first-round match at the ASB Classic against Magda Linette. Photo / Photosport

Venus Williams has likely been seen at Auckland’s ASB Classic for the final time.

The 45-year-old has been ousted in three sets by Poland’s Magda Linette in the first round on centre court, 6-4, 4-6, 6-2.

The loss marks her 1101st WTA match and seventh appearance in Auckland, having first featured in 2014.

Linette paid tribute to the level of tennis Williams brought.

“She moved really great,” Linette said on Sky TV. “She was really hitting well when she was running to the open space, so it was really impressive. I really had to stay calm to make sure that I’m a little bit more solid, because there were too many mistakes on my side.

“She pushes you to the spot you don’t want to be and that’s where I was for a while. I’m glad that I managed to refresh and come back with a little bit better game, especially from the baseline. A little bit smarter serving, and I’m glad I used what I could use to win today. Massive congrats to her for the preparation, because it was a really good match.”

Williams made the final in her maiden Auckland appearance against Ana Ivanovic in 2014. She went one better and won the title a year later, coming back from a set down to beat Caroline Wozniacki in the finale.

Williams showed fight in the first set today, fighting from 5-2 down to 5-4 before Linette closed it out.

The American used her powerful forehand stroke in the second, which she clinched 6-4. The Pole comfortably won the decider, 6-2.

Williams yesterday lost her first-round doubles encounter alongside singles top seed Elina Svitolina. The experienced pair were trumped by 20-year-old Filipino Alexandra Eala and 18-year-old American Iva Jovic in straight sets.

Nathan Limm has been a journalist with Newstalk ZB and the NZ Herald since 2020. He covered the Netball World Cup in Cape Town in 2023, hosts The Big League Podcast and commentates rugby and netball for Gold Sport.